Labor Spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs Madeleine Ogilvie has welcomed the Abbott Government’s embarrassing backdown over changes to the country’s racial discrimination laws.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott was forced to reveal that the Government would cease trying to repeal section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act on behalf of his Attorney-General George Brandis at a press conference yesterday.
“This was a win for people power,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“As one of thousands of Australians who made submissions on this legislation, I was relieved to hear of the Government’s retreat.
“This was a poorly consulted, divisive and ideologically driven idea that has rightfully been knocked down.
“I take these matters seriously – racism has no place in Australia and indeed Tasmania.
“The Federal Government is not properly thinking through its policy positions, which we saw that in relation to the ridiculous job application requirement.
“I call on Mr Abbott to rule out ever reintroducing this regressive and divisive legislation, which the Australian people have rightly defeated.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Labor Spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs
