Today's The Day To Act On Human Rights

Legal Centres Say Today Is The Day For Action On Human Rights

10 December 2009

Community legal centres are calling on the Federal Government to acknowledge international Human Rights Day (December 10) by agreeing to introduce a Human Rights Act for Australia.

Helen Campbell, Chairperson of Community Legal Centres NSW said: `The community legal centres of NSW urge the Rudd Government to implement the recommendations of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, chaired by Father Frank Brennan. In particular, we want the introduction of a Human Rights Act for Australia without delay.

'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 Campbell said.

The Brennan Committee received over 35,000 submissions, the highest number of public submissions ever made to an inquiry in Australia.

'Community legal centres are acutely aware of the need for greater human rights protection in Australia. Without a Human Rights Act we will continue to see discrimination and be exposed to unreasonable decisions by government services, which cannot be resolved using the current laws.

'Adopting the Brennan Committee's recommendation for a Human Rights Act will send a message to politicians, decision-makers, and the police, that there is a requirement to take human rights seriously in Australia,' Ms Campbell said.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) has also urged the Government to act.

'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,' said Ms Robin Banks, PIAC Chief Executive Officer.

'Most people that we spoke to during the consultation just want to be treated with dignity and respect.

'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.

MEDIA CONTACTS: PIAC Media and Communications Officer, Dominic O'Grady: 0400 110 169; Community Legal Centres NSW Chairperson, Helen Campbell: 0415 296 392.

SOURCE: Public Interest Advocacy Centre