Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Perhaps another name that might be more familiar to Senator Cameron and, indeed, Senator Lines is Julian Burnside QC, a prominent human rights lawyer. What has he said in regards to reforming section 18C? He said:

… the mere fact that you insult or offend someone probably should not, of itself, give rise to legal liability. My personal view is that 18C probably reached a bit far so a bit of fine-tuning would probably be OK.

The point is a simple one. Legislation is not static. This place should be brave enough to embrace, discuss and debate reform and change.

Senator Wright is absolutely correct: reform of 18C is a contentious issue. It has brought strong opinions to this place. But this is what the Australian Senate is for. I am sure that every one of us, including you, Senator Cameron, has it within us to engage in a mature debate to bring forward a proper and healthy discussion about whether or not the Racial Discrimination Act should evolve.