Qld politics: Human rights commissioner unleashes over anti-discrimination law freeze

A frustrated Human Rights Commissioner has accused the state government of disrespecting the way democracy is meant to work.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has been accused of kowtowing to pressure from conservative Christian groups in her controversial decision to indefinitely delay new anti-discrimination laws.

Queensland’s increasingly frustrated Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall has also gone so far as to accuse the LNP government of disrespecting the way democracy is meant to work in the state.

Mr McDougall, in a rare interview, is now demanding an “adequate” explanation from Premier David Crisafulli and Ms Frecklington on why the anti-discrimination laws have been put on ice.

The Respect at Work law reforms passed by the former Labor government banned people from being discriminated against because they were homeless, a victim of domestic or family violence, or their physical appearance.

It would also protected people from being discriminated against based on irrelevant parts of their criminal record — such as if charges against them were withdrawn or struck out.

The laws were due to come into effect on July 1 this year, but in a shock move Ms Frecklington this month announced an indefinite delay amid concerns over part of the law which would ban organisations from checking a person’s unfinalised or withdrawn charges.

But Mr McDougall, informed of the delay just hours before it was publicly divulged, said those concerns could have been easily resolved through special provisions for licence offices.

He believes Ms Frecklington was influenced by the Australian Christian Lobby.

Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall

“The explanation provided was the irrelevant criminal record protective attribute, but the statement issued by the ACL doesn’t convince me that that is all that is behind those concerns,” he said.

“The interests of a group of religious advocates has been very persuasive with the government.”

Mr McDougall said the lack of engagement with the QHRC was in stark contrast to Mr Crisafulli’s promise to uphold the Westminster system of government.

“It’s concerning that the level of respect that our Westminster system the government relies upon to ensure we don’t descend into chaos has not been evidenced on these two occasions,” he said, referencing the last minute scrapping of the truth-telling inquiry.

“It’s important that governments are transparent with the people they are representing as to the reasons for their decisions and the true extent of those decisions.”

The state government has said the decision to pause the laws was made on advice of the Department of Justice, not concerns of the ACL and other stakeholders.

Ms Frecklington said reforming discrimination law was complex, and wide consultation was needed to get the balance right in protecting Queenslanders while resolving the serious concerns raised by the department.

The ACL has been vocal in its opposition to the reforms claiming they would suppress freedom of speech and religious expression, broadening the definition of sexual harassment too far.

ACL Queensland director Rob Norman accused the QHRC of ignoring religious voices and operating with ideological bias.

Mr McDougall requested a formal meeting with Mr Crisafulli and Ms Frecklington on March 18, but has yet to receive a response.

Originally published as Qld politics: Human rights commissioner unleashes over anti-discrimination law freeze