The racial discrimination act and free speech
Celeste Liddle · 2015
The concept of free speech, exactly what it is and how it gets to be enjoyed continues to be a contentious issue in Australia particularly when linked to the concept of race. In 2013, in the lead-up to the federal election, the Coalition promised to revisit the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA), in particular Section 18 of this Act, and repeal measures contained within 18C. They argued these measures were not conducive to the notion of enjoying the right of free speech in this country. After asking for public submissions regarding this proposal, and receiving 5,500 responses from community organisations and individuals mainly opposed to the government's proposals, they decided against making changes at that stage. However, in light of terrorist attacks overseas, this discussion is heating up again and it is likely that the discussion of racial vilification versus the concept of free speech will continue to be a part of the political scene.