Senator BRANDIS (Queensland—Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Vice-President of the Executive Council, Minister for Arts and Attorney-General) (14:44): With all due respect, Senator, there are so many false assumptions in the question I barely know where to begin. Let me start with the last: the government was elected with a promise to repeal section 18C in its current form. The reason we decided to make that commitment and the reason we have decided to publish this exposure draft today is that we do not believe that the freedom of speech protections in the existing section 18C are sufficient and we do not believe that the protections against racism in the existing section 18C are— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I am entitled and the person asking the question is entitled to hear the answer. On my left, order! Senator BRANDIS: Senator Peris, you must know by now—although you apparently did not know yesterday—that the Racial Discrimination Act in fact contains no prohibition against racial vilification. Some state and territory acts do— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Brandis, just resume your seat. I am going to stop you because you are entitled to be heard in silence. Senator Peris is entitled to hear the answer. Senator BRANDIS: Senator Peris, the problem with section 18C is that it does not do either of those things properly. It does not protect freedom of speech, which is why it had to be repealed in its current form, and it does not protect people from racial vilification either. The point the government makes to you, if only you would listen, is that it is possible to do both. It is possible to have a carefully, appropriately worded provision which does address the evil of incitement to racial violence while at the same time maintains appropriate protections for public discussion. It is a shame, Senator Peris, if I may say so, that one cannot have this conversation in Australia without being accused of false motives. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I am waiting to give Senator Peris the call.