News
QLD Human Rights Act sets positive example for federal rights charter
27th Feb 2019
The Queensland Human Rights Act passed by Parliament today is an important step forward for the state, but also highlights the lack of human rights protections across the rest of our country, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
“The time is right to introduce a federal charter of rights,” said ALA QLD State President, Mr Greg Spinda. “We welcome the Queensland Human Rights Act which provides the strongest model of human rights protection in Australia to date and sets an excellent example for our federal politicians.
“Queenslanders have understood the importance of human rights and this Act will show other Australian states and the federal government how everyone’s rights should be protected in legislation.”
The Queensland Human Rights Act requires all public authorities to comply with human rights, and to consider the impact on everyone’s human rights when making decisions and developing legislation.
“We applaud the Queensland government for enacting this legislation,” said Mr Spinda. “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 Act.
“We are particularly pleased that the Queensland Government has included the right to education and the right to health services in the Act. The inclusion of these economic, social and cultural rights makes this the strongest legislative human rights charter enacted in Australia to date.
“Human rights laws are positive and effective mechanisms for safeguarding the dignity and well-being of everyone in a healthy democracy. We call on the federal government to introduce similar human rights legislation.”