Hannah Ferguson on the politics of hate speech
Jan 17, 2026 •
On Monday, parliament will return early to debate new laws to deal with hate speech and gun ownership.
The legislation has been drafted in a hurry – under mounting pressure in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack.
But support for the bill has already fractured. The Coalition says it goes too far. The Greens say it doesn’t go far enough. Both want more time to consider the changes.
The debate over what is and isn’t hate is unfolding at a time of deep political division with consequences not just for parliament, but for Australia’s cultural institutions.
Today, CEO of Cheek Media and host of the Big Small Talk podcast, Hannah Ferguson, on the politics of hate speech and how a fight over free expression spilled into the arts.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Hannah Ferguson on the politics of hate speech
1788 • Jan 17, 2026
Hannah Ferguson on the politics of hate speech
On Monday, parliament will return early to debate new laws to deal with hate speech and gun ownership.
The legislation has been drafted in a hurry – under mounting pressure in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack.
But support for the bill has already fractured. The Coalition says it goes too far. The Greens say it doesn’t go far enough. Both want more time to consider the changes.
The debate over what is and isn’t hate is unfolding at a time of deep political division with consequences not just for parliament, but for Australia’s cultural institutions.
Today, CEO of Cheek Media and host of the Big Small Talk podcast, Hannah Ferguson, on the politics of hate speech and how a fight over free expression spilled into the arts.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: CEO of Cheek Media and host of the Big Small Talk podcast, Hannah Ferguson
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