In a television interview in September 1996, Sir Ronald Wilson, President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, said:
  |
The campaign in recent months against political correctness is really a
campaign, as I see it, in favour of freedom to vilify minorities. The majority,
which has been thought in this campaign to have been neglected, has never
needed the protection that marginalised groups need. And the whole purpose
of growing into a fairer Australia, an Australia that respects human rights
and respects each other as having a basic human dignity whatever their status
and position... that grand purpose is being denied by those who criticise
political correctness. Free speech has never been a licence for vilification. |
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The Racial Hatred Act
Introduction: Zita Antonios, Race Discrimination Commissioner
Why was the Racial Hatred Act introduced?
The Racial Hatred Act What is it and what does it mean for people working in the media?
What sort of behaviour is unlawful?
What are the implications for the media?
Does the new legislation affect freedom of speech and expression?
What is the difference between defamation and racial hatred legislation?
What happens if a complaint is brought against a journalist or a media organisation?
Are the penalties for racial hatred criminal or civil?
Some responses to common misconceptions about the racial hatred legislation
Reporting Race Issues Robert Pullan
Free Speech Comes At A Price Hugh Mackay
The case studies
Media Reports an introduction to the case studies
1. An Australian Muslim's experience of the media
2. Myth or Fact? Stereotyping and Indigenous Australians
3. Pauline Hanson's maiden speech
4. I don't know what I can laugh at anymore
5. Turning research findings into copy - a process of selection
The Racial Hatred Act (statute)
HREOC contact for more information or hard copy of this quide
