The Queensland government is moving to become the first Australian state to ban the controversial slogan "from the river to the sea" as part of broader hate speech reforms. Premier David Crisafulli announced these reforms in light of increasing tensions and violence, particularly citing the terror attack in Bondi that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals during a Hanukah celebration. The state's proposed legislation aims to mitigate expressions considered to incite hatred and violence by introducing new penalties for phrases deemed offensive or menacing.

Under the proposed laws, it would become an offense to publicly distribute, display, or recite certain phrases intended to cause menace, harassment, or offense. Attorney General Deb Frecklington emphasized that phrases like "globalise the intifada" and "from the river to the sea" would specifically be outlawed due to their potential to incite incitement and division within the community. These measures aim to ensure that Queensland remains a place where such expressions, which are viewed as inflammatory, do not gain acceptance or lead to societal harm.

This movement in Queensland follows similar discussions in New South Wales, where a parliamentary inquiry has suggested banning the phrase "globalise the intifada". With growing concerns regarding hate speech and its implications for community safety, Queensland's anticipated legislation could set a legal precedent in Australia regarding the regulation of speech linked to social and political conflicts, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian debate.