Salient. Victoria University Students' Newspaper. Volume 39, Number 23. September 20, 1976
Race Relations Act Remembered
Race Relations Act Remembered
Dear Sir,
I am horrified that the Editor of Salient has permitted last week's letter against Malaysian students to appear in his newspaper under the guise of "democratic thought". Letters such as these only intend and serve to provoke ill feeling among students.
Though it could be argued that bringing these feelings into the open is preferable to letting them fester unheard, section 25 of the Race Relations Act 1971 sees inciting racial disharmony as an offence.
Under section 25 subsection I an action could lie against Jordan K. Mangrove-Muncher and the Editor of Salient for publishing threatening, insulting or abusive material with the intent to excite hostility or ill will against or bring into contempt Malaysian students on the grounds of race or national origins.
Yours,
A. Callaghan.