Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

He will still have time. I look forward to Senator McKim's contribution as well, which I am sure he will have time to make. I rise to oppose and speak against the amendment just moved by Senator Fifield. The effect of Senator Fifield's amendment would be that the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee would have the sum total of, I think, five days to conduct an inquiry into what are very far reaching changes proposed to racial discrimination laws in this country.

Senator Gallagher moved an amendment seeking the referral of these changes to section 18C to the committee to review properly within not a particularly long period of time, by 9 May. But the government, as we are seeing all too often, is attempting to gag debate on this controversial proposal by requiring this inquiry to conclude by 28 March, which I think is next Tuesday. It is farcical to think that a proper inquiry can be conducted within that period of time.

I spoke yesterday on the substance of this issue and why I and Labor oppose change to section 18C. In essence, we stand for respect. We stand for not hurting, not offending, not insulting and not humiliating people on the basis of their race. It is deeply disappointing that the government, with the support of crossbenchers, is seeking to change that and make it okay for Australians to racially offend, insult or humiliate other Australians.

I will not say much more about the substance of these changes today, due to the lack of time. I just want to focus on what is being proposed here in a process sense. Section 18C as it currently stands has been the law in Australia for, I think, about 20 years. It has worked effectively, there is no evidence that can be pointed to that demonstrates the provision has been abused by litigants, and the law should stay as it is. That is indeed why the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights—people from both parties—got together, examined this in detail and recommended that no change be made to the language of 18C.

Senator Brandis interjecting—

It is true, Senator Brandis. It is true. I think we know who has a better record on telling the truth in this place out of you and me, and it is not you.

Senator Brandis interjecting—

Senator Brandis again is wanting to talk to me about lying to the Senate. It is so ironic.