ALHR

UPDATE The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has today tabled its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014. A copy of the report can be found by following the below link: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Intelligence_and_Security/Counter-Terrorism_Legislation_Amendment_Foreign_Fighters_Bill_2014/Report1 ORIGINAL POST ‘We must be careful’, says ALHR President Nathan Kennedy, ‘that in opposing the criminality of terrorism … Read More >>

ALHR has made submissions to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications in relation to the use of section 313(3) of the Telecommunications Act 1997. ALHR’s primary concern is that the Act should adhere to international human rights law and standards such as the ‘International Principles on the Application of Human Rights … Read More >>

On 21 June 2013 the Terms of Reference paper for the Australian Government’s Productivity Commission inquiry into Access to Justice Arrangements became available. The Issues Paper was released on 16 September 2013 and the draft report was published on 8 April 2014. On 25 May 2014, ALHR President, Nathan Kennedy presented submissions. In its observations, … Read More >>

The Prime Minister and the Minister for Small Business announced a review of competition policy on 4 December 2013. The Issues Paper was released on 14 April 2014 and was open for submissions until 10 June 2014.  ALHR’s submission is available below. There will be further opportunities for consultation after the release of the Draft Report (currently scheduled for release at … Read More >>

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has made a submission to the Commonwealth Attorney-General in relation to the proposed amendments to the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

ALHR made a submission to the Senate inquiry into overseas aid and development. ALHR’s submission identified the relevant international human rights standards, to which Australia has committed, and emphasised two main points. [1] Australia is able to be a more significant actor in international development, particularly when compared with the action of other countries in … Read More >>

On 16 February ALHR made a submission to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade, in relation to the Inquiry about the Fair Trade (Workers’ Rights) Bill 2013. ALHR’s submission stated that ‘passing the Bill will assist Australia to meet its obligations as a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and to … Read More >>

ALHR is seeking leave to appear as amicus curiae in a High Court appeal in a native title case. The matter will be heard in February 2014. ALHR’s submissions focus on human rights standards about racial equality, and their implications for the common law and extinguishment of native title. All parties’ submissions are available on … Read More >>

ALHR made a submission to Queensland Parliament’s Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee. ALHR raised concerns about inconsistencies with human rights principles, and potential to foster anti-Islamic prejudice in the broader Queensland community.

ALHR made a submission to Queensland Parliament’s Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee, regarding the proposed bill. ALHR considers that powers proposed under relevant sections of the G20 (Safety and Security) Bill 2013 are already appropriately dealt with under the current law which provides the powers for police and ?authorised persons? to carry out the … Read More >>

ALHR wrote to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor regarding the review of Australia?s terrorism financing legislation and the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004. ALHR requests the INSLM’s report to the Prime Minister: (a) reinforce the central importance of human rights in designing and implementing measures to counter terrorism; (b) explain … Read More >>

ALHR commended the draft Business Reference Guide on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. However ALHR suggested that more attention is required on issues such as who it applies to, and what occurs in relation to existing company operations which were established contrary to human rights.