ALHR

ALHR has found the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 does not reflect an appropriate balance between the government’s domestic and international obligations to protect its citizens from terrorism and its international obligations to preserve and promote its citizens’ fundamental human rights. In a report to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security ALHR submits it is essential that Australian anti-terrorism laws … Read More >>

In a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Bill 2014 (attached below), ALHR has found aspects of the Bill incompatible with Australia’s international human rights obligations. ALHR recommends that the Bill not be passed. At a time when, more than ever, people require the protection … Read More >>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALHR has made a submission (below) UN Committee Against Torture as part of its fifth periodic review of Australia during its 53rd session from 3-28 November 2014. ALHR’s submission solely addresses issues concerning Australia’s policies, laws and practices on asylum seekers and refugees and, in particular, how Australia’s current policies, laws and practices contravene … Read More >>

UPDATE The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee has tabled its report recommending against the passage of the Recognition of Foreign Marriages Bill 2014. The Committee concluded: 2.54 The committee notes that passage of the Bill would legislate a form of discrimination in that same-sex couples able to marry overseas would be afforded a different set … Read More >>

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 >>