Does the government understand its own hate laws?
The government passed new gun control and hate speech legislation in a special parliamentary sitting, but what impact will they have on Australian democracy?
Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join Ebony Bennett to discuss how having fewer guns in the community will make Australians safer. However, the complex anti-hate legislation that was rushed through at the same time could have serious consequences for Australian society.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Where it all went wrong: the case against John Howard by Amy Remeikis is available for pre-order now.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Federal Government passes new firearm, hate speech laws, The Point (January 2026)
The Point Live with Amy Remeikis, The Point (January 2026)
Every four hours, a gun is stolen in Australia, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Australia’s Gun Ownership Scorecard: A Growing Problem in Need of Reform, the Australia Institute (January 2025)
Attorney-General attempts to explain extent of hate speech laws | 7.30, @ABCNewsInDepth on YouTube (January 2026)
Would half of Australians prefer a One Nation MP to a Labor one? by Bill Browne, The Point
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes | Between the Lines Newsletter
The Wrap with Amy Remeikis You didn’t have to be a political savant to see what was going to happen this week from the moment Sussan Ley decided to open the door to negotiations with Anthony Albanese on the hate group bill almost no one wanted. One of the first rules of politics is if
The stark reality we need to face about guns in Australia
The horrific anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Bondi, the most deadly mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre thirty years ago, makes gun law reform in Australia necessary. Suggestions from former prime minister John Howard and others that gun law reform is just “a distraction” are cynical in the extreme. Precisely no one is suggesting gun
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Why we’re all the losers from the hate speech fracas
The biggest loser in the political brinkmanship Anthony Albanese and Labor lured Sussan Ley and the Liberals into with the hate group legislation no one wanted is, as always, the public.