The Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered on its election commitment to restore balance, clarity and fairness to Northern Territory laws, tonight passing the Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill 2025 in NT Parliament.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament in July and throughout its development, Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby has undertaken extensive consultation with a broad range of stakeholders including multicultural and faith-based organisations, LGBTQIA+ groups, health organisations, and the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
The Attorney-General said the Bill meets the CLP Government's commitment to protect Territorians from genuine harm while restoring freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
"We have listened carefully to people on all sides - those who felt the changes didn't go far enough, and others who were concerned they might go too far and undo existing protections," said Ms Boothby.
"This Bill delivers a sensible middle ground. It keeps strong protections against discrimination and hate speech while ensuring people can still speak freely and schools can operate in line with their values."
The CLP Government's changes restore protections for religious schools by establishing clear guidelines and reinstating their right to preference hiring staff based on faith, providing certainty for schools and parents while ensuring everyone's rights are respected.
"People protested Labor's changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act in 2022, and rightly so - they removed protections entirely for religious schools in the Territory and left them with no clear provisions," said Ms Boothby.
"This is about families having choice and clarity. If parents choose to send their children to a faith-based school, they deserve confidence that it can operate according to its beliefs with transparent policies and fair employment practices."
The Bill also introduces a more effective, easily understood, and proactive 'incitement model' for addressing vilification, which replaces Labor's reactive 'harm' model.
The 'incitement model,' which is already used in most Australian jurisdictions, provides a better balance between freedom of speech and the right to non-discrimination and equality.
"Labor tied the hands of Territorians and blurred the lines between genuine discrimination and simply expressing an opinion - we've changed that," said Ms Boothby.
"Our changes ensure speech that incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule because of someone's race, religion, gender, sexuality or disability will continue to be unlawful - but ordinary conversation or disagreement will not."
"These reforms strengthen protections; they don't weaken them. Our changes will not open the door to hate speech and hate speech will not be tolerated in the Northern Territory, but freedom of speech will be respected and valued."
The CLP Government remains focused on delivering a year of action, certainty and security, protecting the rights and freedoms of all Territorians and ensuring laws are fair, practical and balanced.
