Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson wants controversial changes to racial discrimination laws back on the table.
The Abbott government dumped changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which makes it illegal to offend, insult or humiliate a person on the grounds of race.
Mr Wilson, dubbed the Freedom Commissioner, used an address to the National Press Club to insist 18C uses a "very low bar" to restrict free speech, and must go.
"It is utterly inconsistent with human rights that some legal privileges are afforded to some and not others," he said on Wednesday.
"Many ask why their identity group doesn't enjoy the same legal privilege."
Mr Wilson believes that if the same standard was applied to all groups: "We'd be in a straitjacket society unable to discuss controversial topics".
"If the law is reorientated towards addressing public harassment, it would enjoy far more public confidence across the community than it does today."
The call comes after the deadly January attacks on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo reignited free speech debate in Australia.
At the time, Mr Wilson warned some Charlie Hebdo content could not be printed in Australia under section 18C.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has ruled out revisiting plans to change the laws.
But a group of Liberal senators and crossbenchers joined forces last year to introduce a private senator's bill that would remove the words "offend and insult" from the section.
Liberal senators Cory Bernardi and Dean Smith co-sponsored the bill with Family First's Bob Day and Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm.
At least two other government senators are expected to back the bill.
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