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Letter to the editor

Race Discrimination

Miranda Devine (Opinion, 18 April) suggests that migrants must, out of gratitude to this country, stay quiet about racism. This is disappointing. It implies people must put up and shut up.

Rejecting racism does not amount to being unpatriotic. It's just the opposite. Racism diminishes our nation. If we love Australia, we must ensure we give everyone here a fair go. It should be our patriotic duty to be anti-racist.

Ms Devine is also wrong to say I have “solicited” complaints under the Racial Discrimination Act. It’s my job to promote understanding and acceptance of the law. That involves giving people information about how complaints can be made. Doing so does not involve solicitation. It would be strange for someone in my position not to be able to talk about the Act.

Published in The Daily Telegraph and news.com syndications