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

I was not aware that Mr Toben had expressed any views on the exposure draft, and I must confess to you, Senator Singh, that I have never heard of the Adelaide Institute. But I have to tell you that I am aware of some remarks that in the past Mr Toben has made about Holocaust denial, and I think what Mr Toben has said is absolute rubbish, of course, as anyone in this chamber would say.

Senator Singh's question does, however, give me the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many Australians—some thousands of Australians in fact—who have responded to the government's invitation for feedback and input on our proposals to reform the Racial Discrimination Act so as to achieve the twin goals of removing the anti freedom of speech provisions and strengthening the anti racial vilification provisions, which, as I keep saying, are not inconsistent goals if handled correctly. The consultation period officially expired on 30 April, though that being the middle of the week and there being plenty of late submissions we extended that by a couple of days. I am in the process at the moment of going through those many submissions. You will not be surprised, I suspect, Senator Singh, that those submissions reflect a variety of views across the Australian community on what is an important and difficult issue. There are those who would repeal section 18C in its entirety. That is not the position of the government and it has never been the position of the government. There are those who would leave section 18C unamended, and there are those who, like the government, think that there is a case to be made for reform of the section.