ABC managing director apologises to staff who experienced racism after review reveals ‘disturbing’ treatment
GuardianOCT 2024
Hanson's tweet was not covered by official speech rights because it had nothing to do with what Faruqi wrote in her tweet. If Hanson had mentioned reparations, colonialism, treaties with First Nations, or the republic, then she would've been fine. This ruling sets a positive precedent: hate speech is not free speech.
While Hanson's tweet could certainly be seen as insulting, the fact that she's the only one facing punishment is hypocritical at best. Australians should be allowed to offend one another no matter the subject, and even if they're banned from doing so, it will only fuel further racial discord. Choosing which racial groups get to offend one another is not a smart move.