Greg Barns SC provides an overview of Australia's new hate speech laws at federal and state levels, and how they present a serious threat to free speech and dissent.

While the patchwork of laws is confusing, in general they set some groups against others in partisan fashion, and favour the pro-Israel lobby.

Some of the laws are over-reliant on subjective judgements such as what constitutes 'hatred', and how people feel when they hear expressions from others. In Queensland two specific phrases have been banned: 'globalise the intifada' and 'from the river to the sea', although these expressions have various meanings for Zionists, Palestinians and protestors. For example, 'from the river to the sea' has been used in the past as a Zionist slogan.  

Of great concern, academic freedom is at risk, as are universities as a site of scholarly debate and contest. This is already happening to a degree and there is risk of freedom of speech on campuses being further curtailed.

Some of the laws will undoubtedly be contested. In the meantime people are advised to stay informed, but to not let these laws have a chilling effect on their right to free speech.