RESOURCES
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) issued a statement in September 2026 on the Submission to the Inquiry into the Review of Division 8A of Part 3A of the Crimes Act 1900 (Inciting racial hatred). This response focuses on the interaction between criminal law protections against hatred for vulnerable groups and existing rights and freedom, including the implied freedom of political communication and freedom of religion. To read the full submission, please download the PDF.
The People’s Inquiry was established in response to concerns by activists, academics, students, and lawyers, who believe that the rights of freedom of speech and assembly on Australian university campuses have come under challenge in recent years. Students, university staff, and the general public may be affected by these restrictions.
The inquiry has published an Interim Report outlining some preliminary findings from the over 150 submissions from university staff and students across the country detailing their experiences of censorship, harassment, and intimidation on the basis of their speech or actions in support of Palestine.