The Finocchiaro CLP Government will today introduced legislation to restore balance to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (the Act), delivering on another key election promise - this time, to protect Territorians from real harm while safeguarding freedom of speech, religion, and belief.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the reforms directly respond to Labor's 2022 changes, which blurred the line between unlawful discrimination and everyday conversation.
"Labor's changes made it unlawful to cause offence without any clear definition of what 'offensive' means, creating uncertainty and undermining free speech," said Ms Boothby.
Extensive consultation occurred throughout the development of the Bill, including with the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, LGBTQIA+ groups, health organisations, churches, and religious institutions.
The new Bill removes vague language and replaces it with a clearer and higher legal threshold: conduct that incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule.
"We opposed Labor's changes from the beginning, in the lead up to the election, we promised to restore freedom while ensuring appropriate protections. Today, we are delivering on that promise," Ms Boothby said.
"Discrimination based on race, gender, religion or sexuality will continue to be prohibited. We do not tolerate hate speech or vilification - and this Bill does not, and will not, open the door to it."
The reforms also restore the ability for faith-based schools to prioritise staff who uphold their religious values, provided this is supported by a clear policy.
"Labor also removed important protections that allowed religious schools to employ staff who share their faith," said Ms Boothby.
CEO of the Australian Association of Christian Schools, Vanessa Cheng, said: "We applaud the CLP Government for taking this important step to fulfil their election commitment and restore fundamental human freedoms."
"It's unacceptable that the Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction in the nation that has no legal protections for religious schools to employ people of the same faith."
The Attorney-General reinforced that existing protections under the Act, administered by the Anti-Discrimination Commission, will remain in place, alongside national frameworks such as the Fair Work Commission and Safe Work Australia.
"These reforms ensure our laws target real harm without intruding on everyday conversations. We want Territorians to feel safe, and also free to speak their mind without fear," Ms Boothby said.
The Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill 2025 will be debated in Parliament later this year.
