Senator BRANDIS (Queensland—Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Vice-President of the Executive Council, Minister for Arts and Attorney-General) (14:29): Senator Peris, you are going to have to stop basing your questions on false premises, because we are not weakening the Racial Discrimination Act. We are strengthening the Racial Discrimination Act by focusing it on the central vice of racism—that is, racial vilification. Might I remind you, Senator Peris—I did tell you this yesterday, but you seem to have forgotten—that today there is no law of the Commonwealth of Australia that prohibits racial vilification. Not one. This is a tremendous gap at the heart of the Racial Discrimination Act. Rather, the Racial Discrimination Act uses the inappropriate mechanism of political censorship to stop people expressing opinions. We do not think that is the way to deal with the problem of racism, Senator Peris. We think that the way to deal with the problem of racism is to identify the two great issues that characterise the worse form of racist conduct—that is, vilification, which is not currently dealt with; and intimidation, which is currently not adequately dealt with—and focus the operation of the act upon them. I am asked about Dr Rubenstein— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Brandis, resume your seat. I believe Senator Moore wishes to raise a point of order. Senator Moore: I was going to raise a point of order but I believe Senator Brandis is now getting to the question. The PRESIDENT: I was doing what was proper, as Senator Moore had risen to her feet. She has resumed her seat, so I will give you the call, Senator Brandis. Senator BRANDIS: I was addressing the first part of Senator Peris's question. I had finished doing that. Now I am going on to address Dr Rubenstein, which was the second part of Senator Peris's question. Dr Rubenstein is a friend of mine, as he is a friend of many on this side of the chamber. Dr Rubenstein was one of the many Australians with whom I consulted during the course of developing these reforms to the Racial Discrimination Act. I acknowledge—as others on the other side of the chamber seem to be unable to acknowledge—that there is a variety of views in the community, which is why we have released an exposure draft.