28th May 2003
MEDIA RELEASE
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ACT
can show national leadership in human rights
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the much anticipated
report from the ACT Bill of Rights Committee: ‘Towards
an ACT Human Rights Act’.
“The
report is an outstanding contribution to public debate.” Simon Rice,
President of ALHR said, representing 600 human rights lawyers across Australia.“
It puts the ACT at the forefront of human rights in Australia.”
The report calls for an incremental implementation of a ‘Human Rights
Act’ in the ACT.
“It
is a little disappointing but understandable that the report recommends
only ordinary legislation and not constitutional entrenchment at this
stage”, said Rice. “But the five year review period is a sensible
approach to take for such forward thinking action”, he said.
ALHR welcomes the inclusion of economic, social and cultural rights in the
Act.
“Realistically,
such rights are inseparable from the more conventional civil and political
rights. It is impossible for example to fully exercise the right to vote
without access to education” Rice said.
Over 60% of submissions received by the Committee supported a ‘Human
Rights Act’, and there was similar support after the deliberative poll.
“ACT
has the chance now to lead Australia in showing respect for humanity.
This balanced and soundly researched report could give no better basis
for taking a step already taken by every other comparable country in the
world: to guarantee people’s fundamental right to equality.”
For more information contact
Simon Rice: 0408 088 024
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This page last updated 4th May 2004
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