Freedom of Speech or Enabling a Right to Insult? The Australian Debate over Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975

Abstract

With a rise in the Neo-Right worldwide, we see the fear of the foreigner and the blaming of refugees and welfare recipients for ills that often flow from structural inequality and injustice. The discourse is being reframed to that of small government, an individualistic, self-interested focus, a concentration of wealth in the world’s top 1% and claims of the ‘need’ for austerity. The focus becomes what divides us rather than on improving access to justice, providing evidence-based solutions, and the common good.