Human rights Bill introduced into Queensland Parliament
QUEENSLAND Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has introduced a human rights Bill into Parliament that will enshrine a right to education, privacy, health and free speech.
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QUEENSLAND Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has introduced a human rights Bill into Parliament that will enshrine a right to education, privacy, health and free speech.
Ms D’Ath said 23 human rights would be protected under the Bill and it would provide the public with an avenue to resolve disputes but not for any financial compensation.
“This Bill will outline a Bill of human rights that we as a Government, we as members of Parliament must adhere to when we make laws, when we consider changing laws,” she said.
Ms D’Ath said the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland would be rebranded as the Queensland Human Rights Commission and provide the dispute resolution for human rights complaints.
Ms D’Ath said the new law was about improving the everyday interactions of individuals with government.
“The Bill will require departments, agencies and public entities to make decisions and act in a way that is consistent with human rights,” she said.
“It will require the courts to interpret legislation in a way that is compatible with human rights, along with requiring the Parliament, including Parliamentary Committees, to consider whether bills are compatible with human rights.”
Queensland Council of Civil Liberties president Michael Cope said the organisation had been fighting for 50 years for Queensland to recognise human rights in the Parliament.
“This is about changing culture … it’s something that will make a significant difference to people’s lives,” he said.
Human Rights Act for Queensland Campaign co-ordinator Aimee McVeigh praised the introduction of the Bill as fantastic news.
“It’s a historic moment in Queensland because Queenslanders will soon have their rights to be treated fairly, equally and with dignity protected in their laws,” Ms McVeigh said.
“The Human Rights Bill will ensure that people’s fundamental rights are better protected in state law — including the right to education, privacy, health and free speech.
“This is about protecting the values that we all hold dear — like equality, fairness, respect and compassion. It’s about protecting things like our right to see a doctor when we’re sick or ensuring all kids can get a good education regardless of their parents’ bank balance.”
HUMAN RIGHTS LAWS EXPLAINED
What is a bill of rights?
A bill of rights enshrines in law a series of rights to protect them being infringed by governments or individuals
How would it work?
Queensland’s anti-discrimination commission would be turned into the Queensland Human Rights Commission, which will be the body for people to apply to if they feel their rights have been breached.
When will it pass?
The bill will now be considered by state parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee and will return to the house to be voted on in the first half of next year.
When will it come into force?
It will be implemented in two stages, the first being the rebranding of the anti-discrimination commission in mid-2019.
The changes will take full effect from 2020.
What rights does it protect?
— Recognition and equality before the law
— Right to life
— Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
— Freedom from forced work
— Freedom of movement
— Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief
— Freedom of expression
— Peaceful assembly and freedom of association
— Taking part in public life
— Property rights
— Privacy and reputation
— Protection of families and children
— Cultural rights — generally
— Cultural rights -Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders
— Right to liberty and security of person
— Humane treatment when deprived of liberty
— Fair hearing
— Rights in criminal proceedings
— Children in the criminal process
— Right not to be tried or punished more than once
— Retrospective criminal laws
— Right to education
— Right to health services
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