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Crafted in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, Labor’s hate speech laws are designed to give the government a raft of new powers to combat racial hatred, but have faced strong criticism from across the political spectrum. NSW Council for Civil Liberties president Timothy Roberts speaks to Reged Ahmad about whether the new laws go too far, and why he says they risk undermining democracy in Australia

After the cancellation of Adelaide writers’ week in a furore over free speech, conversations are being had about how much Australia value its writers and artists. The renowned painter Ben Quilty is asking that question in a new essay exploring how to be a more courageous country when it comes to the arts. He speaks to Reged Ahmad about the Adelaide festival, Donald Trump and why we need a society that encourages visionaries

At the beginning of Donald Trump’s trip to Davos, the US president’s plans for Greenland were vague, and a worry to European leaders. By the end of the day, military force was off the table and threats of tariffs dropped. This is just one example of what it has been like to follow Trump 2.0 in the last year. This week, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Ashley Parker of the Atlantic about why she thinks Americans are suffering from a new politically induced condition and why the midterms in November might be the perfect remedy

In an eventful start to parliament for 2026, MPs came together with condolences for the victims of the Bondi terror attack and passed hurried reforms on guns and hate speech. And then, on the national day of mourning on Thursday, the Coalition split for the second time and Sussan Ley’s leadership is now all but over. Guardian Australia political editor, Tom McIlroy, speaks to the independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi, about why she thinks politics can often stand in the way of community safety. She also discusses her concerns that migrants could become a political target during this time of fear and grief

It was the bill that the prime minister hoped would bring people together, but instead, Labor’s hate speech legislation and the Liberal party’s decision to endorse it, has torn the Coalition apart. The entire Nationals front bench has quit Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet leaving the Coalition to come to terms with its second split in less than a year. Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to Reged Ahmad about how this happened and whether Sussan Ley can hold on to the leadership