40 Years of the Racial Discrimination Act

Race continues to be a lightning rod of public debate. Australia may be relaxed and comfortable about many things, but it remains unsettled about matters of race and culture. The Racial Discrimination Act is Australia’s first federal human rights legislation. A landmark law, the RDA has had a profound impact on race relations. Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the RDA, this book provides a considered, accessible reflection on Australian racism, the limits of free speech, the moral and philosophical dimensions of bigotry, and the role of the RDA in our society’s response to discrimination.

Tim Soutphommasane is Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner. Prior to joining the Australian Human Rights Commission, he was a political philosopher at the University of Sydney and Monash University. His thinking on multiculturalism and national identity has been influential in reshaping debates in Australia and Britain.