At least six federal Senators – including the four One Nation Senators – are planning to bring on a fresh debate over the long-running conservative push to abolish a section of the Racial Discrimination Act which makes it an offence to offend minority groups including First Nations people.
The ongoing efforts to abolish section 18c of the RDA – which makes it an offence to insult, humiliate or offend on the basis of race – is already supported by incoming Senator Derryn Hinch, and Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm.
It also has the backing of the four One Nation Senators, led by Pauline Hanson. Queensland One Nation Senator-elect Malcolm Roberts – a man whose being making headlines the past week for his climate denial views – appeared on ABC’s Insider’s program over the weekend.
He told host Barrie Cassidy that removing 18c was crucial to the health of the nation, and would free people up to engage in real debate.
But regardless of the push to change 18c, it may still stall in the Senate – Labor and Greens oppose any change, as does the Nick Xenophon team, which commands three votes.
