Albanese Government’s Hate Crime laws are a welcome first step, but will not adequately address rising discrimination
The Human Rights Law Centre will give evidence to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee today calling for the Albanese Government to widen reforms to address the growing threat of hate speech, discrimination and vilification.
The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 is a welcome first step in addressing glaring gaps in Australia’s hate speech laws, but it is critical that the Albanese Government properly consults with individuals, and organisations representing marginalised groups most impacted by these changes, to ensure the laws properly address the real world harm people and communities experience.
Further systemic reforms needed to ensure everyone in Australia can live their lives free from discrimination, hate speech and vilification.
The Human Rights Law Centre have made three recommendations to achieve this:
Strengthen Section 18C: to prohibit offending, insulting or humiliating on the basis of race, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.
A uniform Anti-Discrimination Act: to consolidate federal antidiscrimination laws into a single, uniform and modern Anti-Discrimination Act that it is simple, consistent and deals with the intersecting nature of discrimination.
Enact an Australian Human Rights Act: to ensure that our laws, policies, and service delivery are grounded in minimum human rights standards, in a way that is transparent and truly comprehensive.
Quotes attributed to Arif Hussein, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre:
"These laws are a welcome first step, but the reforms proposed are ultimately limited, and will not adequately address the forms of discrimination, hate speech and vilification experienced by communities across Australia.
“Far right hate and extremism is on the rise. Women wearing the hijab have been assaulted by men in the street, while men wearing the kippah have been met with the white power salute. We have seen rallies held against trans rights, and neo-nazis intimidating refugee activists.
“Everyone in Australia should be able to go about their lives free from discrimination, hate speech and vilification – but Australia’s laws are failing to protect people and communities.
“The lack of overarching and cohesive anti-discrimination protections are leaving too many in our community exposed and at risk of harm.
“Australia’s anti-discrimination laws are no longer fit for purpose. It’s vital we strengthen Section 18C, establish a uniform Anti-Discrimination Act, and enact an Australian Human Rights Act to create a fairer, more inclusive society built on comprehensive human rights protections."
Read the Human Rights Law Centre’s submission to the inquiry.
Media contact:
Chandi Bates
Media and Communications Manager
Human Rights Law Centre
0430 277 254
chandi.bates@hrlc.org.au