Dear MP,

 

Re: Support for Petition EN7526 – Reform Anti‑Racism Legislation While Safeguarding Free Speech

 

I am a community member in your federal electorate and write to seek your support for Petition EN7526: Reform Anti‑Racism Legislation to Balance Free Speech and Human Rights.

 

Petition link:

https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7526

 

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) was a landmark in advancing equality and multicultural cohesion. Fifty years on, racial discrimination still affects our community members (citizens, permanent residents and visa holders alike), yet the current framework can be slow, high‑cost, and reactive—particularly for lower‑level but harmful conduct. At the same time, public confidence requires that freedom of expression, especially in political and social debate, be clearly protected.

 

As I am aware, Petition EN7526 makes a proposal of legislation reform: empowering the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to issue infringement (administrative) notices for clearly identifiable, lower‑level breaches as an early, educative, proportionate response—before matters escalate to full inquiries or court litigation.

 

Intended benefits may include:

 

• Faster, lower‑cost relief for affected individuals

• Early deterrence of repeat minor misconduct before it becomes entrenched or escalates

• Reduced pressure on courts and formal complaint pathways

• Preservation of due process: any notice could be internally reviewed and then subject to independent merits review, protecting procedural fairness and legitimate free speech

 

This approach would not dilute free speech. Properly drafted criteria, defences and review rights would clarify boundaries and lift the regulatory standard to contemporary best practice: targeted intervention for clear, lower‑level conduct while reserving heavier procedures for serious or contested cases.

 

I respectfully ask that you:

 

• consider the merits of Petition EN7526;

• voice your support in our community;

• share the petition link through your electorate newsletter and social media channels; and

• provide any other supports at your convenience.

 

Petition open for signatures: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7526

 

Your support would meaningfully advance a system that is principled, fair, efficient, and responsive to contemporary Australian realities.

 

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response.

 

Yours sincerely,