The QPLC, on behalf of the Quaker community, expresses strong support for the recommendations in the recent report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights about Australia’s Human Rights Framework and makes specific recommendations.
The Quaker Peace and Legislative Committee (QPLC) just released the below:
In March 2023, the federal Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights commenced an inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework, the committee’s Final Report and Recommendations was released in May 2024. The effectiveness of Australia’s 2010 Human Rights Framework and 2012 National Human Rights Action Plan are also reviewed in the Inquiry Report. The committee received 335 public submissions, and held six public hearings during the inquiry. It also received 4135 form or campaign letters. The report includes 17 recommendations, including: introduction of legislation to establish a national rights-based Human Rights Act based on the Australia Human Rights Commission model and the re-establishment and expansion of Australia’s Human Rights Framework.
The report also recommends that government should consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, people with disability, children’s groups, civil society and other experts on how proposed ‘participation’ and ‘equal access to justice’ should operate. Significant and sustained funding to implement the legislation is also recommended.
In the Brief, QPLC on behalf of Quakers expresses strong support for the recommendations in the recent report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights about Australia’s Human Rights Framework. In particular the Committee should:
- Work with colleagues to ensure that Parliament passes legislation to establish a rights-based federal Human Rights Act, based on the Australian Human RightsCommission model (as supported by the Joint Committee);
- Ensure a more coordinated and consistent approach through the reestablishment of a revised and expanded National Human Rights Framework, including a focus on community and school-based education.
- Consult closely with relevant stakeholders, including civil society, allowing organisations such as Quakers to participate in such opportunities