Welcoming the call for a Human Rights Act
New report of parliamentary inquiry recommends national legislation
June 3, 2024
The Uniting Church Assembly was proud to be among more than 100 organisations welcoming the call for a national Human Rights Act following the recommendations of a new report tabled in Parliament.
Labor MP Josh Burns, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, launched the report of its Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework and recommendations on Thursday. It was noted that 87% of submissions received by the Inquiry supported the adoption of a national Human Rights Act.
Assembly General Secretary (Interim) Rev Lindsay Cullen was quoted in the media release from the Human Rights Law Centre following the release of the report.
“The Uniting Church believes that all human rights are important, interdependent and interrelated," said Rev Cullen.
"For years the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has advocated for the holistic approach of a Human Rights Act as an answer to the many competing claims and values inherent in the discussion about human rights."
"We believe a Human Rights Act is the best approach to give protection in law and accountability when rights are breached, as well as playing a role in educating the Australian community."
“The Uniting Church believes that all human rights are important, interdependent and interrelated."
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The Inquiry also recommended ongoing funding for human rights education in the Australian community, targeted consultation including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a review of existing legislation.
The Assembly has advocated for a holistic approach to human rights since at least 2006. It has maintained and strengthened this position during debates over religious discrimination legislation in recent years.
The Assembly is an official supporter of the Human Rights Act campaign, along with the Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT.
Further reading
- Report: Inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Framework
- An inquiry has recommended Australia legislate a Human Rights Act. Here’s why we need one (The Conversation)
- Report finds ‘clear need’ for an Australian Human Rights Act. What difference would it make? (The Conversation)
- Federal Human Rights Act could help prevent policy failures like robodebt, parliamentary inquiry says (The Guardian)
- 101 Case Studies on how human rights acts and charters make our lives better (Human Rights Act Campaign)
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