22 March 2017 

18C changes reward politics of division and hate

NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Chair Roy Ah-See said the Land Rights network is extremely disappointed with the Federal Government's proposed changes to the wording of Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Cr Ah-See said the Government's move to remove the words "offend, insult and humiliate" with "harass" would weaken laws designed to protect Aboriginal peoples who continue to suffer from the daily reality of racism.

"Aboriginal peoples continue to experience racism on a regular basis. The bitter experiences of racism have regrettably shaped too many of our people in the worst possible way.

"Aboriginal peoples demand the right to have the best legislative protections possible. We owe it to future generations to make sure young Aboriginal peoples grow up with strong protections against racism so they can realise their potential and make their contribution to Australia.

"Our law-makers must not reward the politics of division and hate - they must protect those who struggle on a daily basis to be treated with the respect they deserve."

Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291