Fears for limits on free speech

Tony Abbott's proposal to strengthen bans on hate speech is looming as a new leadership flashpoint, with some Government MPs worried his national security campaign might infringe on liberties.

In an apparent 180-degree turn on a pre-election pledge to wind back anti-discrimination laws, the Prime Minister used a national security address yesterday to announce "stronger prohibitions on vilifying, intimidating or inciting hatred".

Although the details remain sketchy, it has alarmed some Liberal MPs, several of whom remain angry that Mr Abbott last year abandoned plans to axe Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act that makes it unlawful to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate" someone on racial grounds.

One Liberal said he feared Mr Abbott intended to replicate Section 18C in criminal law. Institute of Public Affairs executive director John Roskam said some Liberal MPs contacted him yesterday expressing deep concern.

"It would be very worrying if the Government strengthened Section 18C and further restricted freedom of speech, especially since the Government had previously promised to repeal Section 18C," he said.

Mr Abbott confirmed his Government would appoint a national counterterrorism co-ordinator, strengthen citizenship rules and revoke or suspend passports of dual citizens engaged in terrorism activity.

"For Australian nationals, we are examining suspending some of the privileges of citizenship for individuals involved in terrorism," he said.

"Those could include restricting the ability to leave or return to Australia, and access to consular services overseas, as well as access to welfare payments."

He said 90 Australians were fighting with terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria and at least 140 people in Australia were actively supporting extremist groups.

Mr Abbott said organisations and individuals "blatantly spreading discord and division" should not do so with impunity and named radical Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir.

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Fears for limits on free speech