QUT Digital Media Research Centre submission in response to the inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes

We welcome the opportunity to contribute to this inquiry, and support the important work being undertaken by the Cohesive Communities Coalition. In general terms, our research focuses on digital media and human rights. We have provided references to some of our specific studies below.
We recommend that:
• Any criminal offences should include a clear intent requirement, beyond mere intent to possess the material, and be sensitive to context and existing power imbalances.
• Making hate or vilification an aggravating circumstance for existing offences is likely to be a better approach than creating a new offence.
• Public policy should focus on encouraging a broad societal effort to change social norms, rather than criminal sanctions aimed at individuals.