Give AG racial discrimination powers: MP

A veteran Liberal MP has suggested the government's chief law officer be given the power to decide if people can sue others over breaches of race hate laws.

Philip Ruddock says that could be an alternative to repealing section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which makes it illegal to offend, insult or humiliate a person on the grounds of race.

"It might require the attorney-general's fiat to be able to initiate the litigation ... to ensure it proceeds in the public interest," Mr Ruddock told parliament on Monday.