Mr Camil Shalala                                                  Ref: A2563987                      

Editor

Middle East Times International

PO Box 467

PARRAMATTA  NSW  2124

Dear Mr Shalala,

Earlier this week the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government introduced new laws to the NSW Parliament to prohibit the threat or incitement of violence against any person on the grounds of race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex or HIV/AIDS status.

It was the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government in 1989 that was the first government in Australia to introduce laws to support targeted individuals and groups.  Now, we have acted again to strengthen those laws to stamp out the threat or incitement of violence to enhance community safety.

These landmark reforms, contained in the Crimes Amendment (Publicly Threatening and Inciting Violence) Bill 2018, create a new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 which will replace and improve existing offences contained in the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.  The new offence will be punishable by up to three years imprisonment – an increase from the current maximum term of six months – and an $11,000 fine or $55,000 in the case of a corporation.

We have listened carefully to the community on this issue.  In fact, these reforms follow careful consideration of the Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice’s report Racial vilification law in New South Wales, the Report on consultation on serious vilification laws in NSW by Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian AO and extensive stakeholder consultation.

This extensive consultation has helped us strike the right balance between freedom of speech and community safety.  Of course, freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our free and open community but it should not be used as a shield for those who cross the line by threatening or inciting violence against others.

Every person in our community should be able to go about their lives without fear of violence because of who they are or what they believe.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will not tolerate the threat or incitement of violence against others and will continue to protect our diverse and vibrant community.

Yours faithfully

Gladys Berejiklian MP

Premier