Victoria’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs Matthew Guy says current race laws are strong and should not be altered.

“While others remained silent, the Victorian Government made it very clear that it considers it vital that the Commonwealth does not weaken the protection in place against race hate, and instead continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting and encouraging social harmony,” Minister Guy said this week.

Less than a month ago Opposition leader Daniel Andrews stated that even if the Federal Coalition Government weakens section 18C of the Race and Discrimination Act a Victorian state government has the power to override federal legislation, and if elected he will do so.

Matthew Guy went on to say “the Victorian government believes that the rights of all Victorians to practice their faiths and celebrate their culture without fear of discrimination, vilification or harassment is already enshrined in law in Victoria. We believe that our current laws are strong.”

“All governments in Australia have an obligation to protect and encourage social cohesion.”