Wed 21 Jan 2026 16.30
AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
The government passed new gun control and hate speech legislation in a special parliamentary sitting, but what impact will they have on Australian democracy?
Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join Ebony Bennett to discuss how having fewer guns in the community will make Australians safer. However, the complex anti-hate legislation that was rushed through at the same time could have serious consequences for Australian society.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Where it all went wrong: the case against John Howard by Amy Remeikis is available for pre-order now.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Federal Government passes new firearm, hate speech laws, The Point (January 2026)
The Point Live with Amy Remeikis, The Point (January 2026)
Every four hours, a gun is stolen in Australia, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Australia’s Gun Ownership Scorecard: A Growing Problem in Need of Reform, the Australia Institute (January 2025)
Attorney-General attempts to explain extent of hate speech laws | 7.30, @ABCNewsInDepth on YouTube (January 2026)
Would half of Australians prefer a One Nation MP to a Labor one? by Bill Browne, The Point
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
The kingdom of Queensland has produced little emperors with no clothes, sure of their power within their branch and electorate.
Anyone interested in politics would have heard the paraphrased Plato quote at some point – “one of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”.
When politicians claim to be constrained, it is too often an excuse to escape responsibility for an unconscionable decision.
The biggest losers in the political brinkmanship Anthony Albanese and Labor lured Sussan Ley and the Liberals into with the hate group legislation no one wanted, is as always the public.
