By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

CANBERRA, Australia – Amnesty International recently expressed disappointment over Australia’s failure to introduce human rights legislation.

Amnesty stated that it is “high time for the Government to clarify its intentions with regard to protecting human rights in this country.”

Last October, Australia’s Attorney General, Robert McClelland commenced a consultation process, whereby the National Human Rights Consultation Committee advised the Government that it should adopt a Human Rights Act.  For months, the federal government has not indicated whether or not it plans to establish a human rights charter.

Amnesty International claims that Australia has breached its international obligations by not providing adequate protection of human rights.  Australia must adopt an act which reflects its international legal obligations.

Claire Mallinson, Amnesty International Australia’ National Director, stated, “It’s not good enough to commit to these international treaties and disregard them inside Australia.”

Furthermore, Amnesty representatives believe that if Australia wants to be a leader in the global community on human rights issues, it must show leadership in such issues domestically.

Those who oppose a human rights charter believe it will give unelected judges too much authority.  Opponents have urged the cabinet not to institute a charter.

29,153 individuals out of a total of 35,014 who participated in the nationwide consultation process believed there should be a Human Rights Act.  In a separate poll conducted in 2009 by Amnesty International, 81 percent of the participants also believed Australia should introduce human rights legislation.

Amnesty International Australia claims it is the Attorney General’s responsibility to ensure that the Government complies with its international law and to protect the human rights of all.

The Attorney General has not responded to Amnesty International’s claims.

To date, Australia is the only western democracy who has yet to establish a charter of human rights.

For more information please see:
Anglican Media Melbourne – Amnesty International: Australian Government must show leadership by introducing a Human Rights Act – 19 February 2010

Amnesty International  Australia – Government must show leadership by introducing a Human Rights Act – 18 February 2010

Sydney Morning Herald – Rudd govt mum on rights charter report – 18 February 2010