Media Release: Upper House Votes to Progress Tasmanian Human Rights Act
Upper House Votes to Progress Tasmanian Human Rights Act
The Legislative Council today voted to support the immediate development of Tasmanian Human Rights legislation to be tabled during the life of the current Parliament.
“I welcome the majority support of Upper House members for my motion calling for the government to act to enshrine in, and protect by, law Tasmanians’ human rights,” said Meg Webb MLC, Independent Member for Nelson.
“On the eve of December’s Human Rights Week this vote urging immediate progress on a Tasmanian Human Rights Act couldn’t be more timely.
“The independent Tasmanian Law Reform Institute has twice recommended Tasmania introduce a Human Rights Act to address the current fragmented, disjointed and unclear laws, and yet those evidence-based calls have fallen on the government’s deaf ears.
“There is no excuse for continued legislative procrastination.
“The UN International Human Rights Theme for 2024 is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.
“That call has been heeded by the Legislative Council. It is now up to the Rockliff government to heed the expert advice and respect this parliamentary vote calling for action.
“What better way to genuinely celebrate the upcoming International Human Rights Day than by declaring a commitment to developing, consulting and introducing into this period of parliament, legislation for a rigorous Tasmanian Human Rights Act,” Ms Webb said.
Text of Ms Webb’s motion passed by the Legislative Council today:
That the Legislative Council:-
- Notes the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute (TLRI) A Charter of Human Rights for Tasmania Update report, which was released on 30 April 2024;
- Recognises the report provides an update on the TLRI’s initial A Charter of Human Rights for Tasmania Final Report released in 2007;
- Notes the TLRI 2024 Update report’s recommendation, “that the laws in Tasmania be reformed to provide and promote specific, better, and accessible protection for human rights through the enactment of a Tasmanian Charter of Human Rights or a Human Rights Act,” which is consistent with Recommendations 1 and 2 of the 2007 Final Report;
- Further notes the TLRI 2024 Update report provides a total of 21 Recommendations;
- That the Legislative Council calls on the Tasmanian Government to:
(a) commence drafting a Bill for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act in accordance with both the TLRI’s 2007 Final Report and 2024 Update report; and
(b) commit to the introduction of a Bill for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act during the term of this Parliament.
