MEAA: Proposed hate speech bill ‘undermines core principles of press freedom’
The controversial bill
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) has issued a call to members of parliament to reject the Albanese government’s proposed legislation around antisemitism, hate and extremism, saying it “undermines core principles of press freedom and freedom of artistic expression and poses a threat to our democracy.”
The Federal Government’s new proposed legislation — Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 — is set to be tabled on Tuesday, and has attracted ire for both the speed with which it has been drafted, and a number of unintended consequences that could arise from it.
The MEAA statement argues that “journalists, creative workers, and members of our society must be free to provide criticism and commentary on the policies and actions of their own or any other state, or the actions of those who do so in the name of any religion.”
Well, if that is the case then it means that there are no limitations on speech and the press.
Following that principle … then, why can’t anyone own a gun and shoot people. Idiocy.
Every country, place, age, gender and person could end up being Trump-ish.