News
QLD Bill of Rights is the strongest human rights charter in Australia, says ALA
31st Oct 2018
The Queensland Bill of Rights legislation is expected to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
“We applaud the Queensland government for introducing this legislation,” said Mr Greg Spinda, QLD State President, ALA. “All Queenslanders will benefit from having their rights protected in law. Based on the experience in Victoria and ACT, people with disabilities, those facing homelessness and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in particular will benefit from the Bill.
“We are particularly pleased that the Queensland Government has included the right to education and the right to health services in the Bill. The inclusion of these economic, social and cultural rights makes this the strongest legislative human right charter enacted in Australia to date.
“We will work with the Government to facilitate the passage of this important legislation in a form that ensures the strongest human rights protections for all Queenslanders, particularly those in custodial settings.”
The Queensland Bill of Rights will ensure that public authorities are required to consider the impact on everyone’s human rights when making decisions and developing legislation.
“We are also pleased to see that this Bill includes an avenue for people to complain to the Human Rights Commission if they feel their rights have not been respected,” said Greg. “This is an accessible and practical mechanism to address complaints and goes a step ahead of the human rights laws currently in place in both Victoria and the ACT.”
“Human rights laws are positive and effective mechanisms for safeguarding the dignity and well-being of everyone. We encourage other states and territories, and the federal government, to consider the broader introduction of these types of laws.”
CONTACT DETAILS
SEND ENQUIRY