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Australian Attorney-General, Robert McClelland promotes Rudd government's human rights achievements.Tuesday June 10, 2008 CANBERRA, Australia - At a meeting with over 40 Non-Government Organisations in Canberra today, Attorney-General Robert McClelland outlined the action being taken by the Rudd Government as part of its commitment to human rights. Mr McClelland told the NGO forum that in its first six months in office the Rudd Government has: begun introducing legislation to remove discrimination against same‑sex couples and their children from Commonwealth laws; delivered an historic apology to Indigenous Australians and initiated a new approach to native title; taken action on a range of international human rights conventions and protocols that the former Government opposed[1]; provided one-off additional funding of $10 million for the Commonwealth Community Legal Services Program, the largest ever injection into the program; begun work with the States and Territories on options to harmonise anti‑discrimination laws; and given a commitment to consult the Australian people about the best way to recognise their rights and responsibilities. “The Rudd Government has moved quickly since being elected to promote human rights and responsibilities in Australia and internationally,” Mr McClelland said. “Today’s forum offers an opportunity for NGOs to engage in full and frank discussion with the Government on human rights matters and help stimulate policy development. The Rudd Government recognises that NGOs play an important role in representing and serving community interests, and bringing diverse views to the table.” The NGO Forum was attended by over 40 organisations representing interests including youth, children, women, Indigenous peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, the gay and lesbian community, religious groups and older people. [1] The Rudd Government has begun consultations on becoming a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); the Convention Against Torture; and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. |
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