11 December

National Human Rights Action Plan released

On 10 December 2012, International Human Rights Day, the National Human Rights Action Plan (the Action Plan) was released by the Federal Government.

The Action Plan outlines the Federal Government's intended future action for the promotion and protection of human rights.  These include:

  • a new National Disability Insurance Scheme
  • an Act of Recognition acknowledging Australia's First Peoples as an important step towards holding a successful referendum to change the constitution to recognise Indigenous people
  • a new Federal Children's Commissioner
  • ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture
  • a review of federal legislation for barriers to older people participating in productive work.

The Action Plan was based on a Baseline Study, open to public comment, to identify human rights priorities for Australia.  Arts Law's submission can be viewed here.

The Action Plan can be viewed here.