Dreyfus talks down discrimination changes

NEWLY sworn-in Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has poured cold water on any major change to anti-discrimination laws.

Former attorney-general Nicola Roxon was criticised over proposed changes, which sections of the media, the legal lobby and MPs said would breach conventions on freedom of speech.

Ms Roxon said last week she had asked her department to look at "other options" but on Saturday announced she was retiring from federal parliament at the next election and won't get to pursue the law changes.

Mr Dreyfus, who was sworn in to replace Ms Roxon in Canberra on Monday, said the government was merely aiming to consolidate five existing laws into one to make it simpler for workers, employers and the general community.

"My view is that it's very, very important that we strike the appropriate balance between protecting the Australian community and preserving free speech," he told ABC radio on Monday.

"I don't think anyone could doubt my commitment to free speech over very, very many years."

Mr Dreyfus, a senior barrister, said he did not believe it should be against the law to insult someone in ordinary conversation.

"What we're talking about is in the workplace, in particular situations, that there ought not be unfair discrimination," he said.

On the issue of "hate speech", Mr Dreyfus said he did not believe the existing laws needed to be changed but simply carried over into the new consolidated bill.

"I think that one could look at ... why some of those cases take so long to resolve, but apart from that they're a very important protection for the Australian community," he said.

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