Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I move government amendment (1) on sheet BW237:

(1)   Page 4 (after line 22), after clause 4, insert:

4A The Racial Discrimination Act is not affected

     This Act does not affect the operation of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

The government has moved this amendment to make an express provision about the application of the Racial Discrimination Act to part 10 of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act, as amended by the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill. This is really to provide reassurance and clarity for those who are concerned about the issue. The government believes that it was not absolutely necessary, but we want to make sure that people understand our commitment to Aboriginal people, that nothing in part 10 would suspend or limit the application of the Racial Discrimination Act, including the right of a person to seek redress under the act.

I understand that the Human Rights Commission had sought some assurance about this matter and have looked at a 'notwithstanding' type clause to be inserted. The government's amendment is consistent with that request by the Australian Human Rights Commission and makes it absolutely clear that everything will be consistent with the Racial Discrimination Act. I encourage the chamber to support the amendment.