Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
After the Premier confirmed the government were considering changing the Anti-Discrimination Act yesterday, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks, told Estimates today that there was no need for change.
Yesterday, the Premier awkwardly admitted his government was considering weakening anti-discrimination laws ahead of the likely plebiscite on marriage equality.
Today, Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner told the Estimates Committee that in the interests of an inclusive and safe community for LGBTI Tasmanians no change needs to be made to the Act.
All eyes are on the Liberals to see if they can make the case. They haven't been able to convince the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
The uncomfortable answers from the Premier and Attorney-General at Estimates have been anything but convincing.
The Liberals are at risk of caving in to lobbying by right-wing groups to weak the protections in the Act.
We hope that any proposed change includes full public consultation on an exposure draft of the laws, not just discussions with lobby groups.
We urge the Premier and Attorney-General to stand firm against discrimination in all its forms.