Human rights education and parliamentary engagement with human rights will be enhanced under a new “Human Rights Framework” for Australia, announced by the Attorney-General on 21 April 2010 in response to the recommendations of the National Human Rights Consultation.

However, the Rudd Government’s failure to commit to a comprehensive, national Human Rights Act — a key recommendation of the Consultation which was supported by over 87% of a record 35,000 public submissions — is a missed opportunity to strengthen Australia’s democracy and build a fairer, more inclusive community.

A Human Rights Act deferred is human rights denied.  The Government’s deferral of a Human Rights Act until at least 2014 — when the new Human Rights Framework will be reviewed — is a denial of the many benefits which demonstrably accompany such an Act.   Read More…