Shelving of race law changes reflects popular opinion
The Head of Australia's largest study into racism has congratulated the Federal Government for dropping planned changes to the Racial Discrimination Act, saying research has shown the majority of Australians didn't support the proposal.
The Federal Government planned to alter the Racial Discrimination Act to make it legal to "offend, insult or humiliate" someone because of their race or ethnicity, but has now decided to keep the existing protections.
Dean of Social Sciences and Psychology at the University of Western Sydney, Professor Kevin Dunn, has congratulated the Government, and especially the Prime Minister Tony Abbott, for recognising the importance of good community relations.
"Good community relations don't just happen, they need monitoring and sustaining," says Professor Dunn.
"Leadership is also important, and the Prime Minister is to be congratulated on this decisive action to sustain a symbolically important element of Australia's human rights protections, and a key part of multiculturalism."
This proposal to alter the Racial Discrimination Art ran counter to public sentiment as captured in the landmark Challenging Racism Research Project led by Professor Dunn, which surveyed more than 12,500 Australians to provide a national picture of racism, ethnic relations and cultural diversity.
In a recent Challenging Racism survey, 2100 respondents were asked whether it should be unlawful to humiliate, insult, offend or intimidate someone according to their race, with the results showing:
- Offend - 66% of participants agreed or strongly agreed it should be unlawful
- Insult - 72% of participants agreed or strongly agreed it should be unlawful
- Humiliate - 74% of participants agreed or strongly agreed it should be unlawful
- Intimidate - 79% of participants agreed or strongly agreed it should be unlawful
Professor Kevin Dunn says mutual respect and civility are important ingredients of our multicultural success.
"The Prime Minister has had to turn away from some very influential vested interests, and has instead sided with the majority of Australians," says Professor Dunn.
"This will be welcomed by the vast of majority of citizens, and the Challenging Racism Project is relieved and enthused by the Prime Minister's decision."
Ends
Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer
6 August 2014
Latest News

Opinion: You can’t be what you can’t see: the benefits for and the pressures on First Nations sportswomen
A record number of female Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander athletes represented Australia at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Medical student and youth cancer advocate recognised
Nikhil Autar believes ‘you don't need to be a doctor to make a difference. Just as long as you can make a positive impact in this world for someone else’. A medical student at the University, Nikhil is this year’s recipient of the Chancellor’s Unsung Heroes Award.

Opinion: Another school has banned mobile phones but research shows bans don’t stop bullying or improve student grades
This week, one Sydney high school made headlines for banning mobile phones during school hours. Phones can come to school but must stay in locked pouches.
Mobile options: