Coronavirus-fuelled racism prompts debate on whether Australia's laws are strong enough to protect victims

A spate of coronavirus-fuelled racist attacks have sparked calls to simplify and strengthen Australia's racial discrimination and vilification processes, amid concerns they are too complicated and toothless to properly protect victims. Key points: Nation's peak legal group says access to justice is lacking for victims Experts say increasing awareness about discrimination laws is fundamental SA Senator Stirling Griff wants to see a national strategy to combat racism Last month, the Australian Human Rights Commission revealed one in four people who reported racial discrimination in February and March linked it to the coronavirus pandemic. "It's very straightforward to report it to the Human Rights Commission and I encourage people that have faced racism to make that report. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world When Federal Parliament returns next week, South Australian crossbench Senator Stirling Griff is hoping to move a motion asking the Senate to note the rise in racist attacks across the country and calling on "the Government to implement a national strategy to combat racism". "We will be running some information campaigns as well, stating that racism is unacceptable and offering guidance as to how people might be able to report if they are facing racist attacks," Mr Tudge said.