MICHELLE ROWLAND MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURALISM

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

GRAHAM PERRETT

MEMBER FOR MORETON

MEDIA RELEASE
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MORETON AFRICAN COMMUNITY CONCERNED WITH RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ACT CHANGES

Members of Brisbane’s African community are concerned with the Abbott Government’s plans to weaken the Racial Discrimination Act, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michelle Rowland said today.

“There is great concern with the Abbott Government’s proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act,” Ms Rowland said.

“The Government’s proposed changes will significantly weaken protections against racist hate speech in Australia and open the door to bigotry.”

Ms Rowland was speaking after attending a community forum with Brisbane’s African community, hosted by Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett.

“The Racial Discrimination Act has worked to encourage harmony in the community and has struck the right balance between freedom from bigotry and freedom of speech,” Mr Perrett said.

“My community is concerned that these changes will open the door to bigotry and embolden racists, and that’s not on.”

“As I travel around the country consulting with different groups from ethnic communities and Indigenous communities it is clear there is strong opposition to the Government’s proposal to weaken the Racial Discrimination Act,” Ms Rowland said.

“If the Government bothered to properly consult with the community, as the Opposition is doing, then it might come to appreciate the lasting damage that racism has on many individuals and why these proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act are so abhorrent.”

Ms Rowland also encouraged people to send a submission to the Abbott Government on the proposed changes to [email protected] by 30 April.

TUESDAY, 8 APRIL 2014