Enact Human Rights Legislation Without Delay, Says Piac

Government Urged to Move on Human Rights Without Delay

media release

8 October 2009

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today urged the Federal Government to enact national Human Rights legislation without delay.

'We encourage the Government to adopt without delay the recommendations of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee and implement a Human Rights Act for Australia,' said Ms Robin Banks, PIAC Chief Executive Officer.

The Federal Attorney-General released the Committee's report today in Melbourne.

Chaired by Father Frank Brennan and established by the Federal Government, the Committee came to its conclusions on human rights after traveling throughout Australia and speaking to people about their human rights. The Committee received over 35,000 submissions, the highest number of public submissions ever made to an inquiry in Australia.

PIAC is one of a number of organisations that worked to ensure the Committee's public consultations included the views of the most marginalised communities around Australia.

'Most people that we spoke during the consultation just want to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect,' said Ms Banks.

'It doesn't sound like a lot to ask for but the reality in Australia is that every day far too many vulnerable Australians do not receive basic respect and dignity. Enacting a Human Rights Act is a good and vital step towards redressing this imbalance,' Ms Banks said.

'Government consultations sometimes struggle to effectively engage with a broad spectrum of the community. However, it is clear from the overwhelming number of people who made submissions to the Brennan Committee that many people feel very strongly that their human rights are not adequately protected at the moment in Australian law.'

'PIAC commends the the report to the Prime Minister, The Hon Kevin Rudd, and his government. This is a very real opportunity to make a difference for ordinary Australians wherever they live, whoever they are. To adopt the recommenations of the report will show that Government does care about the views and needs of the people,' Ms Banks said.

Media contact: Dominic O'Grady, PIAC Media and Communications Officer.
Ph: (02) 8898 6500; M: 0400 110 169


SOURCE: Public Interest Advocacy Centre