Federal Court Upholds Section 18C Against Constitutional Challenge in Hanson v Faruqi

The Full Federal Court on July 27, 2026 rejected Senator Pauline Hanson's argument that Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act — which prohibits racially offensive, insulting, or intimidating conduct — breaches the Constitution's implied freedom of political communication. The ruling by Justices Perry, Kennett, and Bennett upholds the provision's validity at the appellate level. Hanson may still seek High Court special leave.