Victor Dominello, NSW State Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, has responded to J-Wire’s question about the NSW O’Farrell government’s position on proposed to changes to Sections 18C and 18D of the Federal Racial Discrimination Act.
Minister Dominello said: “The Federal Government made a pre-election commitment to examine the operation of Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act in its current form.
I know the Federal Attorney General has met extensively with representatives of our Aboriginal and multicultural communities as part of his review of the law.
An appropriate balance must be struck between the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and preventing vilification of people based on race. The views of those in our community who are vulnerable to racism are integral to this consideration.
The O’Farrell Government is proactive in the fight against racism.
In December 2012 the Premier Barry O’Farrell called for a parliamentary review of our racial vilification laws with a view to strengthening protections against racial discrimination.
The Legislative Council Law and Justice Committee released its report in December 2013 and the NSW Government will respond formally to its recommendations in the coming months.”