PIAC provided a short submission in response to the NSW Law Reform Commission’s options paper as part of its inquiry into section 93Z of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which covers serious racial and religious vilification.
The submission addresses the seven options proposed by the Commission, expressing openness to amendments to expand the definition of ‘public act’ to ensure all relevant situations are captured, while not supporting other options that would have the effect of lowering the bar for the criminal offence created by s93Z.
PIAC remains supportive of broader reforms to civil vilification, as covered by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), and will continue to pursue those through the current NSWLRC inquiry into that legislation.
Reducing unfair fines and over-policing from alcohol-free zones