The massacre of Jewish people at Bondi Beach in December of last year has prompted State and Federal responses

On March 5th 2026, the Queensland Parliament passed legislation that explicitly outlawed two phrases, namely: 

"From the river to the sea” 

"Globalise the intifada"

when used in a way that "might reasonably be expected" to make a member of the public feel menaced, harassed, or offended.

Recently enacted Commonwealth laws do not mention specific phrases but do sanction the public promotion or incitement of hatred towards a person or group based on race, colour, or national/ethnic origin.

In addition, the government can now officially list organisations as "prohibited hate groups" if they indulge in such activity.  It becomes a crime to be a member, recruit for, or provide funds/training to these groups, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison. 

How should we think about these new laws?  

Are they a reasonable response to a horrific event?  

Will they improve public discourse and community harmony? 

Or are they part of a creeping infringement of our rights as citizens to express opinions.

Michael Cope is President of the Queensland Council of Civil Liberties and ideally placed to discuss these questions.

Michael is  Special Counsel with Cornwalls, a national law firm. He has a long-standing interest in civil liberties issues and has been active in the Council and other human rights-related organisations for most of his adult life, and President of the QCCL since 2005.

The Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (QCCL) is a voluntary organisation concerned with the protection of individual rights and civil liberties. It was founded in 1966 in order to protect and promote the human rights and freedoms of Queensland citizens

Join us at the usual venue on Tuesday April 7th at 5:30pm for a very important discussion.