Australians are experiencing a severe case of political whiplash, a jarring sensation all too familiar in car accidents but now defining the national discourse. The violent jolt that triggered this political instability was the Bondi terrorist attack several weeks ago.
In the aftermath, the federal government has made rapid, and some say reckless, policy shifts. Parliament is being recalled next week to debate hastily drafted hate speech legislation aimed at combating anti-Semitism. This move comes just weeks after the opposition accused the government of dragging its feet on the very same issue.
Opposition's Swift Reversal on Hate Speech Laws
The political whiplash is most evident in the opposition's contradictory stance. After loudly demanding a parliamentary recall to address anti-Semitism, elements of the Coalition are now criticising the government for acting too quickly. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan declared he would oppose the new laws, arguing that enforcement of existing legislation is sufficient.
Further confusion arose when the draft bill's exemption for religious scriptures was revealed. While some raised concerns about this provision, WA Liberal MP Andrew Hastie stated he was unlikely to support the bill due to its perceived impact on freedom of speech and religion. This rapid shift from demanding action to decrying it exemplifies the political back-and-forth unsettling the nation.
Government's Royal Commission Backflip
The whiplash is not confined to the opposition benches. The government itself executed a stark reversal on the issue of a royal commission into the Bondi attack. For weeks, senior ministers argued that an inquiry would take too long and that urgent action was needed immediately.
However, facing concerted public and media pressure, the government announced a royal commission would indeed be established. It is slated to deliver findings by the end of the year, a timeline that directly contradicted the Prime Minister's earlier reasoning for rejecting such an inquiry. This policy U-turn has left many questioning the government's consistency and strategic planning.
The Dangers of Policy Made in Haste
This environment of political whiplash carries significant risks. When laws are rushed through Parliament, unintended consequences often emerge later. A snap decision on firearm restrictions today could have unforeseen effects on pest management in rural areas tomorrow. Similarly, a well-intentioned crackdown on hate speech could inadvertently suppress legitimate free speech in the years to come.
This inconsistency breeds public cynicism and erodes trust in the political system—a core objective of terrorist acts designed to provoke confusion and overreaction. The erosion of confidence in stable governance is itself a damaging outcome of these sudden jolts.
There is a poignant historical parallel. On 1 January 1975, Australian Design Rule 22A mandated headrests in all new vehicles to prevent the physical whiplash injuries common in rear-end collisions. Many are now left wishing for a similar, simple safeguard against the political variety currently causing the nation such a pain in the neck.
