The Attorney General George Brandis has flagged his intention of repealing/amending s18c of the Racial Discrimination Act to better protect free speech.

In comment to the Budget Estimates hearings earlier this month he revealed that he was having ‘private’ consultations with ‘community leaders’ on this matter. This was news to us.

All the civil liberties groups in Australia agreed to join us in writing to Senator Brandis offering to participate in these consultations – though we would prefer to see an open consultation process.

We are awaiting a response.