Wait on NT Anti-Discrimination: Reform discussions continue

Proposed reforms of the NT Anti-Discrimination Act, will not be on the table during this week’s Territory Parliamentary sittings.

Territory Parliament has resumed. Pictures Katrina Bridgeford.

Proposed reforms of the NT Anti-Discrimination Act, will not be on the table during this week’s Parliamentary sittings.

A government spokesperson said the NT Government is continuing its discussions with stakeholders on the proposed reforms.

Earlier this year, the Country Liberal Party said it would be walking back the “controversial” vilification laws introduced in 2022 by the then Labor Government.

When announcing its intention to make changes to the NT Anti-Discrimination Act Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the government would be getting rid of “vague terms” and restoring protections for religious schools.

The announcement drew concerns from community groups.

Labor Opposition Leader Selen Uibo said today the proposed reforms would be divisive law.

Ms Uibo said the reforms would open the door to hate speech.

Ms Boothby said the reforms to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (the Act) would instead create “fairer and more workable law”.

Jinson Charls, Gerard Maley and Marie-Clare Boothby Picture: Thomas McLean

“We are restoring balance to our anti-discrimination laws to protect Territorians from real harm and discrimination, while ensuring our laws don’t overreach into everyday conversations, religious freedoms, or basic right to express an opinion,” said Ms Boothby.

“Whether you’re a person of faith, from a multicultural background, or down the pub with your mates, you shouldn’t have to worry someone will take legal action just because they found something offensive and drag you through a complaints process.”

The key changes being rolled out will remove “unclear and vague terms” such as “offend” and “insult”.

They will be replaced with “clearer standard that focuses on real harm” which Ms Boothby said reflects other frameworks in place in other Australian states.

Ms Boothby said all these changes will still prohibit conduct that “incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule” based on personal attributes such as race, sexuality, gender identity, religion and more.