Religious Discrimination

The Hon. S.L. GAME (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Attorney-General regarding legal protections for religious groups in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: My office possesses a letter dated 26 August 2022, addressed to the Hon. Mr Kyam Maher, seeking the Attorney-General's support in establishing legal protections against discrimination, vilification and victimisation on the basis of religion. While South Australia's Equal Opportunity Act currently guards against discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability and age, religion is not listed as a protected characteristic. Given that, unlike other states and territories, South Australia does not have legislation that specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of religious belief, my questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Does the government feel that, given the current climate of increased attacks on various religious communities, now is the time to strengthen legal protections for religious groups; if not, why not?

2. When can the people of South Australia expect action on this issue?

3. Does the government respect that people of different faiths are fearful of discrimination at the present time?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for her question. There are not infrequently suggestions put to government about protected attributes that ought to be considered under our equal opportunities regime. I am happy to go away and check; I just don't know where the one the member refers to is up to, but I am happy to go away and check for her.