Territorians have roundly rejected Labor’s Anti-Discrimination Bill and the CLP will do the same if the Fyles government pushes ahead with its plan.
Leader of the Opposition Lia Finocchiaro said if elected in 2024, the CLP would restore the freedom of speech and freedom of religion that this Bill sought to destroy.
“The CLP is about protecting all Territorians and won’t stand for Labor’s attack on freedom of speech and freedom of religion.”
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gerard Maley said Labor’s agenda for this fortnight’s parliament was completely out of step with Territorians.
“The people have spoken loud and clear – they reject attacks on freedom of speech and religious freedom,” he said.
“If Labor had any decency, they would withdraw it from this fortnight’s agenda and go out to consultation.”
Mr Maley said Labor had made a mess of the Bill by wrapping up common sense protections with bad legislation that people strongly reject.
“Labor has bundled up the good common sense protections with attacks on freedom that neither the community nor the CLP can support.
“This Bill must be delayed until Territorians are consulted and the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review into religious protections is completed.”
LABOR LIES ABOUT THE BILL
Natasha Fyles this morning doubled down on passing the Bill this week, saying the offence provisions would only apply if there was a “profound and serious effect”.
But the words “profound and serious” do not appear in the Bill.
Likewise, Attorney-General Chansey Paech said the provisions were directed at people “using hateful and bigoted language” and things that were “extremely offensive or grotesque”.
But none of those words are in the Bill.
On radio this morning, Natasha Fyles also said people would have plenty of time to look at the Bill and how it would be “enacted in their situation” after the Bill was passed. “That comment is just laughable and shows how Natasha Fyles thinks Territorians are fools.”
ENDS