THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP

SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL

SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS

MEMBER FOR ISAACS

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURALISM

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

MEDIA RELEASE
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BRANDIS MUST DITCH 18C CHANGES

Following the Abbott Government’s hugely embarrassing back down on their planned changes to the Racial Discrimination Act, Attorney-General George Brandis must rule out any further attempts to water down protections against racism in Section 18C.

Section 18C has served our community well for almost 20 years – and there has been near unanimous opposition to these retrograde changes.

Labor has joined with thousands of Australians, community groups and experts in vigorously opposing the Government’s attempt to give a green light to racism.

But our fight isn’t over.

The Abbott Government cannot be trusted to tamper with protections against racial discrimination – they’ve tried it once and they’ll try it again.

Tony Abbott lied on pensions, lied on health and education, and lied on no new taxes. How can he be trusted not to wind back these important protections?

Going back to the drawing board isn’t enough. George Brandis needs to properly listen to the community and dump these changes.

Community groups, experts and even his own MPs have told Tony Abbott they oppose the watering down of legal protections against racism.

Throughout this process the Government simply has not made a case for change.

Tony Abbott needs to explain to Australians what racist abuse he thinks should be allowed which is prevented by Section 18C in its current form.

WEDNESDAY, 28 MAY 2014