Submissions invited to the parliamentary inquiry into freedom of speech and the Racial Discrimination Act
November 28, 2016. Mr Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, is encouraging community groups to take an active part in the current Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into freedom of speech and theRacial Discrimination Act.
“This is an issue of great importance to many community groups and one in which they have taken an active interest over recent months”, Mr Leeser said. “Several community organisations have spoken to me about the strong views they hold on the importance of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and the way it is applied in law”.
The Parliamentary Inquiry was announced on 8 November 2016. The Attorney-General asked the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to inquire and report on two issues relating to freedom of speech in Australia. Firstly, whether the operation of Part IIA of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (including ss. 18C and 18D) impose unreasonable restrictions on freedom of speech, and secondly, whether the complaints-handling procedures of the Australian Human Rights Commission should be reformed.
Mr Leeser called on community groups to share their views with to the Human Rights Committee through the inquiry process. “As a member of the committee, I believe it is important that we receive and consider the full range of views on this issue. I strongly encourage community members and their representatives to provide submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry before submissions close on 9 December 2016.”
Submissions close on 9 December 2016. They can be lodged online at www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Human_Rights_inquiries/FreedomspeechAustralia, by emailingseniorclerk.committees.sen@aph.gov.au or through the post by writing to:
Committee Secretary
Joint Committee on Human Rights
Department of the Senate
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
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