How hate speech blew up the Coalition
January 21, 2026
15 min
1793
Full
1,878 of 2,041
Episode 1793 · January 21, 2026
How hate speech blew up the Coalition
0:00 / 15:02
Search the Record
Moment search isn’t open for this episode yet
When it opens, you’ll be able to type any phrase and jump straight to the second it was said.
The Messy Conservatives Episodes Around January 21, 2026
Episode 1,878 of 2,041 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
15:02This episodeHow hate speech blew up the Coalition
Summary
<p>This week, Labor’s watered-down hate speech laws passed the Senate.</p> <p>The following day, the bigger story wasn’t the bill.</p> <p>Three senior Nationals – Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell – were forced off the opposition frontbench after defying shadow cabinet and voting against the legislation.</p> <p>Then, after a late night emergency meeting, the rest of the Nationals frontbench followed suit, quitting their roles in a show of solidarity. </p> <p>Now, the Liberal National partnership is hanging in the balance and Sussan Ley’s leadership is again under threat. </p> <p>Today, Press Gallery journalist Karen Middleton, on how hate speech blew up the Coalition.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton</p> <p><strong>Photo: </strong>AAP Image/Mick Tsikas</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
Episode details and artwork are published by the show’s own feed. Sentinel plays short cited excerpts and links every episode back to its publisher.