WIN: Campaign welcomes Federal Parliamentary Human Rights Inquiry
A coalition of over 80 organisations welcomed the launch of a parliamentary inquiry into a Human Rights Act.
Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC has asked the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to investigate updating the Federal Human Rights framework, with a focus on whether the Federal Government should implement a Human Rights Act.
Caitlin Reiger, CEO, Human Rights Law Centre said:
“A national Human Rights Act will place the values of freedom, equality and respect at the heart of all government decisions and actions. The launch of this inquiry is welcome news and long overdue. We know that a Human Rights Act would benefit us all and bring us in line with our international commitments.”
“We need a clear, practical and legally enforceable human rights framework for Australia to protect our rights, reflect our values and help us navigate our differences respectfully. It is important that Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus is delivering on Labor’s National Platform commitment to review the framework, including looking at a Human Rights Act.”
“A Human Rights Act is a missing piece to protecting human rights in Australia. We urge community groups, the legal profession and all who see this as important to a fair and just Australia to engage actively with this inquiry. There is overwhelming evidence of the need for a Human Rights Act so that everyone can enjoy equal access to justice, safety, health, education and housing.”
Dr. Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Services said:
“Recent events like Robodebt highlight again just how vulnerable we are to government abuses of power without adequate human rights protections in place.
“We need a Charter of Rights that provides protections for people against human rights abuses and builds a culture of respect for basic rights for all. It will be vital to include economic and social rights in the Charter.”
Sam Klintworth, National Director, Amnesty International Australia said:
“We're very encouraged by the announcement of a Parliamentary inquiry. Your human rights are important. Every Australian should have the same fundamental human rights in law.
“They should be protected and defendable.
“One overarching Human Rights Act is simpler and more effective than multiple pieces of legislation attempting to protect individual rights. And it has overwhelming public support as our annual Human Rights Barometer has demonstrated.
“A Human Rights Act provides an accountability framework so we can all have a tool in our kit to protect and defend our rights.”
Photo by Gary Radler