Rights body asked to look at Clive Palmer’s anti-China outburst

THE Human Rights Commission has been asked to make a section 18C ruling on Clive Palmer’s angry tirade of anti-China abuse.

THE Human Rights Commission has been asked to make a section 18C ruling on Clive Palmer’s angry tirade of abuse in which he called Chinese people “bastards” and “mongrels” who shoot people.

Brisbane man Tony Mack said yesterday he had lodged a formal complaint with the commission after being shocked and distressed while watching Mr Palmer’s outburst on the ABC’s Q&A program.

Mr Mack said he believed he was entitled to complain as his father was born in China and his grandfather had Chinese citizenship. However, he was opposed in principle to the Racial Discrimination Act’s contentious section 18C.

Under 18C, it is unlawful to act in a way that is reasonably likely to “offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate” someone because of their race or ethnicity. Exemptions protect freedom of speech regarded as reasonable and made in good faith.

Mr Mack, a 54-year-old tradesman from Brisbane, told The Australian yesterday if the commission rejected his complaint he would launch a formal legal case.

“I want to see 18C disappear (from the legislation) but I’m disgusted at what Palmer has done,’’ he said. “I saw and heard him while watching TV with my wife Lisa, and we were both devastated. It makes it worse that as an elected parliamentarian, he said those things about Chinese people.

“He is back-pedalling now and saying it was not about the Chin­ese, but I don’t accept that. He has hurt and offended a lot of people, particularly Chinese people. He has made it harder for Australians to have commercial relationships with China, all because he thinks he is getting a rough deal from one company.

“If 18C is going to be kept, then it can be used against someone who supports it and who racially offends and discriminates.”

Chinese media outlets condemned the remarks and called for Mr Palmer to be punished by Chin­ese businesses with sanctions.

Mr Palmer, who declined to respond to The Australian yesterday when asked about the complaint, attempted to clarify his remarks.

“My anger was only directed at the state-owned Citic Pacific for their business dealings in Australia,’’ he said in a statement.

“It is a disagreement I have with Citic Pacific alone, not the Chinese people or the government.”

He described his “high regard” for all Chinese people.

“I deeply regret if any of my comments have caused offence to any person. It is important that the people of the world work together to ensure peace and friendly co-operation between all.”