At first glance, this new legislation might appear to significantly restrict free speech. But it is important to note there is a high threshold for conviction.
- Professor in Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW
The Albanese government’s ‘hate speech’ laws aren’t as strong as first suggested, so how will it impact Australians?
While there have been significant improvements in the way complainants in particularly are dealt with in court cases, some old myths and stereotypes persist.
At one time, law and order was seen by some as a sure-fire voter winner in elections - but that’s changing after a concerted effort by Victoria’s opposition appeared to backfire badly.
While some complaint that anti-discrimination laws stifle freedom of speech, there is good evidence that they make a more harmonious, safe and equal society.
The time is right for a crash course on section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, its exemptions and the powers of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The ‘good old days’ when we could make racist comments without legal recourse were not that good at all – especially for those on the receiving end.
The debate around amending Section 18C is a furphy: the law is there to guard against the most-damaging vilification, and very few cases end up in court.
We may think of buskers as romantic free spirits. But when Melbourne and Sydney buskers were asked what they thought about council regulations, their answers were surprising.
It isn’t just the ‘bad guys’ who are exposed to restrictive powers and tougher penalties. Anyone whose behaviour is regarded as a public safety risk is potentially in the frame.
The relationship between alcohol and violence is complex, and dramatic changes to criminal laws to punish intoxicated offenders are often ineffective, unfair or both.
Next time you strike up a conversation at your local coffee shop, have a chat in the pub after work, or have a natter with fellow dog lovers as you follow your pooch around the park, you may want to get…
The Abbott government’s intention to amend national racist hate speech law has reignited a debate that has raged in Australia for decades: is there a place for laws that condemn public conduct that is…
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