MEAA Media submission to the Parliamentary inquiry into freedom of speech in Australia
MEAA’s Media section made this submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ inquiry into parts of the Racial Discrimination Act, and in particular section 18C, which makes it unlawful to “insult” or “offend” on the basis of race.
MEAA Media’s submission says that it is concerned at the rise of hate speech in Australian noting that Part IIA of the Racial Discrimination Act was introduced long before the widespread use of digital technology.
However the submission argues that the use of the words “insult” and “offend” in s18C have become increasingly confusing.
The MEAA submission recommended that a review of the legislation should consider replacing “insult” and “offend” with “vilify”. The submission recommended there be no change to s18D – the section that deals with exemptions that protect freedom of speech. The submission recommended that the Australian Human Rights Commission be properly resourced to quickly determine the status of complaints, particularly if s18D applied.
