Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)

An Act relating to the Elimination of Racial and other Discrimination

WHEREAS a Convention entitled the “International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination” (being the Convention a copy of the English text of which is set out in the Schedule) was opened for signature on 21 December 1965:

AND WHEREAS the Convention entered into force on 2 January 1969:

AND WHEREAS it is desirable, in pursuance of all relevant powers of the Parliament, including, but not limited to, its power to make laws with respect to external affairs, with respect to the people of any race for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws and with respect to immigration, to make the provisions contained in this Act for the prohibition of racial discrimination and certain other forms of discrimination and, in particular, to make provision for giving effect to the Convention:

Commencement:

            (1)  Sections 1, 2 and 7 shall come into operation on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

             (2)  The remaining provisions of this Act shall come into operation on a day to be fixed by Proclamation, being a day not earlier than the day on which the Convention enters into force for Australia.

Parts:

I—Preliminary

II—Prohibition of racial discrimination

IIA—Prohibition of offensive behaviour based on racial hatred

III—Race Discrimination Commissioner and functions of Commission

IV—Offences IV—Offences

VI—Race Discrimination Commissioner

VII—Miscellaneous