Yesterday Queensland’s Attorney General Yvette D’Ath introduced the Human Rights Bill 2018 to the Legislative Assembly. A bill the Australian Christian Lobby considers a misguided policy priority of the government.
Martyn Iles, ACL’s managing director, said; “Human rights issues are by very nature political and, it is already the responsibility of parliament to protect these human rights.”
“A bill of rights that shifts the power of parliament to judges who are not accountable to the electorate is extremely concerning. It will erode the nature of Queensland democracy forever.”
“ACL is deeply concerned that this bill could lead to politically contested rights issues being handled by unelected officials.”
“Queensland parliament has already considered this issue only two years ago in 2016. In that instance, the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee was unable to agree on whether it would be appropriate and desirable to introduce human rights act.”
“A human rights bill has also been considered in federal parliament since federation. Referendums to create a bill of rights in both 1944 and 1988 were defeated, while the government responded to the 2008 National Human Rights Consultation Committee by creating a Joint Committee on Human Rights.”
“Parliament must remain as the essential body to handle human rights as it consists of elected members who consult widely,” commented Mr Iles.
