Those who value freedom of speech will be relieved that the Victorian government’s attempt to pass its anti-vilification legislation has been stymied in the state’s upper house – for now.

The reforms, pursued since 2019, sought to enshrine cancel culture in Victorian law. At the very moment when social cohesion is disintegrating across the nation, the Allan government’s proposed bill would have handed a sword to activists wanting to target those with whom they disagree.