Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Minister For Foreign Affairs
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia
1 SEPTEMBER 2025
ALBANESE GOVERNMENT BLOCKS ANTI-EXTREMISM MOTION
The Albanese Government has today blocked a clear and reasonable motion from the Coalition which sought to condemn extremism in all its forms.
The Coalition’s motion reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to free speech and lawful assembly, while condemning extremist activity that undermines public safety and social cohesion. Specifically, it:
- condemned the recent disruption of public rallies by neo-Nazis, pro-Iranian regime extremists, and those supporting terrorist organisations; and
- condemned the public display of symbols, slogans or imagery that glorify or support proscribed terrorist organisations, urging the strict enforcement of laws against glorification of terrorism and incitement to violence.
Despite the clarity of this motion, the Albanese Government voted against it.
Shadow Attorney-General Senator Michaelia Cash said the Government’s decision was weak and indefensible.
“The Coalition made a simple and consistent point – we oppose extremism whether it comes from neo-Nazis, pro-Iranian regime supporters, or those who glorify terrorism. Yet Labor could not bring itself to agree,” Senator Cash said.
“This is about moral clarity. Labor had a chance to stand up against hate and intimidation. Instead, his Government blocked the motion.”
The Coalition moved its amendment in response to a motion brought forward by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, which sought to target only one side of the extremist spectrum while ignoring others.
Senator Cash said this revealed extraordinary hypocrisy.
“Senator Faruqi wanted the Senate to condemn extremist elements on the far right, but at the same time she has been silent when pro-Iranian regime groups and supporters of terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah have marched on our streets waving flags and chanting hateful slogans. That is double standards of the worst kind,” Senator Cash said.
“The Coalition believes extremism should be condemned consistently – whether it comes dressed in black shirts or cloaked in the banners of terrorist groups. But instead of supporting that balanced approach, the Albanese Government joined the Greens in blocking it.”
The Coalition motion made clear that it is possible to defend the right of Australians to protest peacefully while also rejecting those who cross the line into intimidation, hate, or glorification of terrorism.
Senator Cash said Australians deserve to know why the Albanese Government refuses to apply one standard.
“Why is it so difficult for Anthony Albanese and his ministers to simply say that neo-Nazis are wrong, pro-Iranian extremists are wrong, and those who support terrorist organisations are wrong? It should not be hard,” she said.
The Coalition will continue to call for strong enforcement of existing laws against extremism and will not allow double standards to go unchallenged.
“The Prime Minister’s weakness on this issue is dangerous. The community is looking for leadership and consistency. Instead, they are getting division and hypocrisy from a Government too afraid to upset the Greens,” Senator Cash said.
Amendment to Senator Faruqi’s motion regarding social cohesion moved by Senator Cash
I move — That the motion be amended as follows:
Omit all words after “That the Senate”, substitute:
“(a) reaffirms Australia’s commitment to free speech and lawful assembly, and condemns all forms of extremism, intimidation, and violence, regardless of the cause;
(b) condemns the recent disruption of public rallies by Neo-Nazis, pro-Iranian Government extremists and those supporting terrorist organisations; and
(c) condemns the public display of symbols, slogans, or imagery that glorify or support proscribed terrorist organisations and urges the strict enforcement of existing laws against the glorification of terrorism and incitement to violence”.
ENDS
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