E-Blast: Human Rights Bill introduced to Queensland Parliament
Queenslanders will soon be protected under a Human Rights Act after a bill was tabled in State Parliament yesterday. The Queensland act has been modelled on the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act. That includes a
right to life, protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, freedom from forced work, freedom of movement, privacy and reputation, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and freedom of association and the addition of rights to education, health and a specific mention of the cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Queenslanders with Disability Network Chairperson Nigel Webb, said “this is a very positive move forward for people with disability in Queensland, helping empower marginalised and vulnerable individuals and communities, and helping people achieve equal status and opportunity within Queensland”. QDN congratulates the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to introducing the Act.
As part of QDN’s work with the 14 Community Services Peak organisations, we have identified four priority areas that we are collectively working on this year; a Human Rights Act for Queensland, NDIS, Family Matters, and affordable, accessible housing. QDN CEO Paige Armstrong said “A Human Rights Act for Queensland has been an important campaign and a reflection of what can be achieved through a grass roots movement of collectively coming together and saying this is important and we need to see this change. Human Rights is the foundation of our work at QDN”.
A Human Rights Act will mean all Queenslanders are treated fairly and this legislation will uphold the fundamental human rights of people with disability. The bill will go to a committee for community consultation, with a view to passing into law by early 2019. QDN will put forward a submission and we encourage members to have a say on this important reform.
QDN look forward to working constructively with Government to continue the momentum and ensure this bill benefits all Queenslanders.
Click here to read the Human Rights Bill 2018