Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull softens opposition to 18C race hate law changes

By Tom McIlroy
Updated October 28 2016 - 10:18pm, first published 10:18am
Malcolm Turnbull says the government will consider debate about the Racial Discrimination Act.  Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Malcolm Turnbull says the government will consider debate about the Racial Discrimination Act. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Senator Dean Smith is one of a number of conservative Coalition MPs pushing for change.  Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Senator Dean Smith is one of a number of conservative Coalition MPs pushing for change. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has backed down from his total opposition to renewed examination of Australia's race hate laws, conceding possible changes are a legitimate area of discussion for the Coalition.