The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has today welcomed Labor’s commitment to increase funding for the Australian Human Rights Commission to help crack down on racist hate speech.
FECCA also supports Labor’s pledge to strengthen enforcement of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which makes hate speech unlawful, and to “assist” the Commission to renew campaigns against hate speech.
FECCA Chairperson Ms Mary Patetsos said FECCA had called for these commitments in their Federal Election policy platform.
“We called for a national anti-racism campaign when we launched our Federal Election Platform Governing for culturally diverse Australia, so we are encouraged by this commitment to renew support for anti-hate speech campaigns,” she said.
“FECCA has also fought hard against the watering down of the Racial Discrimination Act, so we support this additional funding to strengthen the Australian Human Rights Commission, as well as the commitment to boost enforcement of section 18C.
“FECCA calls on the other major parties to also adopt these commitments, which will help to limit speech and behaviour that divides our communities.
“Australia’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, which is why we want to encourage all major parties to adopt policies that ensure all Australians can fully participate in and contribute to society.”
FECCA is the peak, national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.
