Media release — 10 December 2008

ACHRA WELCOMES HUMAN RIGHTS CONSULTATION

The Australian Council of Human Rights Agencies (ACHRA) has welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s consultation on the future of human rights in Australia.

ACHRA chair, Susan Booth, said the consultation comes at a critical time for Australian human rights. 'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is sixty years old today and this consultation gives Australians the chance to discuss how we protect fundamental rights in the 21st century, Ms Booth said.

'Australia was at the forefront of human rights in process that created the Universal Declaration, and the consultation is a great opportunity to build for the future.'

'Australia can again become the world leader in human rights protection, but only if we have a broad, open discussion about our rights and how they are fostered and protected' she said.

ACHRA will be fully participating in the consultation process and Ms Booth urged all Australians to have their say. 'Now is the time for all of us to contribute to this important discussion about human rights and how we want them to be protected.'

For further comments contact:

• Ms Susan Booth, Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Tel: (07) 3247 0901, TTY: 1300 130 680
• Dr Helen Szoke, Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission Tel: (03) 9281 7169
• Ms Linda Matthews, South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission Tel: (08) 8207 2250
• Ms Yvonne Henderson, Equal Opportunity Commission WA Tel: (08) 9216 3900
• Mr Tony Fitzgerald, Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission Tel: (08) 8999 1461
• Dr Helen Watchirs, ACT Human Rights Commission Tel: (02) 6207 0576
• Ms Sarah Bolt, Anti-Discrimination Commission Tasmania Tel: (03) 6233 4817

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