Daniel Andrews vow to sidestep George Brandis on section 18c

A VICTORIAN Labor government could replicate current federal laws in state statute, opposition leader Daniel Andrews says.

A VICTORIAN Labor government would replicate current federal laws in state statute if Attorney-General George Brandis delivers on his pledge to repeal section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act, state Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews says.

The controversial clause makes it unlawful to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate other people or a group of people because of their race, colour or national or ethnic origin.

Along with section 18d, it was crucial in sealing a 2011 finding against Melbourne journalist and broadcaster Andrew Bolt.

Senator Brandis has proposed new wording in exposure draft amendments that would make it unlawful to vilify or intimidate others on similar grounds, but include greater free-speech protections.

Mr Andrews said if 18c was scrapped his party would simply replicate its wording in state law. “We live in a modern, multicultural society,” he said. “We do not tolerate racist insults and we should not weaken our protections.”

Mr Andrews enjoys a healthy Newspoll lead ahead of an election scheduled for November. “If Tony Abbott and the Liberals wind back our antidiscrimination laws, an Andrews Labor government will step in and save them,” he said.

Mr Bolt lashed Labor’s plan as “mad and dangerous”.