George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Peris, the problem with section 18C is that it does not do either of those things properly. It does not protect freedom of speech, which is why it had to be repealed in its current form, and it does not protect people from racial vilification either. The point the government makes to you, if only you would listen, is that it is possible to do both. It is possible to have a carefully, appropriately worded provision which does address the evil of incitement to racial violence while at the same time maintains appropriate protections for public discussion. It is a shame, Senator Peris, if I may say so, that one cannot have this conversation in Australia without being accused of false motives.

Opposition senators interjecting—