THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
MEDIA RELEASE
LABOR WELCOMES ACTION ON NATIONAL DVO SCHEME
Tony Abbott has made it clear that given the chance his Government will again try to repeal Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.
In an interview this morning Mr Abbott admitted:
ABBOTT: I don't believe we are likely to see an Andrew Bolt type prosecution again. If we do, lets rethink things but I believe that we do have very robust free speech in this country.
[3AW - 14 JANUARY 2015]
Labor remains deeply concerned that it is only a matter of time before the Abbott Government tries again to weaken protections against racism and bigotry.
Mr Abbott may believe that now is not the time to proceed with changes to the Racial Discrimination Act, but his Government has clearly failed to abandon the plan to repeal 18C completely.
Communities around Australia have made their view clear. Section 18C has served Australians well for almost 20 years and should not be changed.
Now, more than ever, we need community harmony every Australian has a responsibility to promote inclusiveness and respect.
Labor will fight any move to weaken protections against racist hate speech and the Abbott Government must rule out any support for changes to Section 18C.
WEDNESDAY, 14 JANUARY 2015
