[TheMuriels]

Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today marked the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by launching the National Human Rights Consultation to seek the community’s views on human rights in Australia. The Consultation will be conducted by a Committee of four eminent Australians:

Father Frank Brennan SJ AO (Chair)
Mick Palmer AO APM
Mary Kostakidis, and
Tammy Williams

Mr McClelland said the consultation implements another Rudd Government election commitment and provides an opportunity for all Australians to share their views on how human rights and responsibilities can be better recognised and protected.“All Australians will be given the chance to have their say. Whatever views are presented, we want to hear from as many Australians as possible and to stimulate a national discussion about this important topic.”

R20;The consultation does not presuppose any outcome, although the Government has made it clear that any proposal must preserve the sovereignty of Parliament. We want to encourage broad community debate on a range of human rights issues, not only on whether a Charter or Bill of Rights is necessary.”

The Committee will report to the Government by 31 July 2008. Biographies of the Committee members are attached.

Further information on the consultation, including how to make a submission, is available at: http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au.



Also, today is International Human Rights Day.