The Turnbull Liberal Government’s confused reshuffle has seen anti-18C campaigner, Senator Zed Seselja appointed to the Assistant Multicultural Affairs portfolio.

It is clear from this decision that Mr Turnbull has put his own future ahead of the desires of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Senator Seselja’s views on the Racial Discrimination Act are out of step with community views. Section 18C of the Act has served the nation well for 20 years and should not be changed.

It is extremely alarming that one of the few people who wants to water down these protections against racist hate speech has been appointed to this portfolio.

The Liberal Party’s ongoing ideological campaign to effectively green-light bigoted hate speech in our community, including Holocaust denial, again reminds us just how out of touch with history and how extreme the Liberal Party has become.

Labor will fight to make sure there is no further attempt to remove protections against racist hate speech.

MONDAY, 18 JULY 2016