On 17 November, the Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland delivered a speech entitled 'Human Rights under a Rudd Labor Government - what will be different?' The contents of this speech were similar to others on this topic delivered by the Attorney-General throughout the latter part of 2008.

Amnesty International Australia has previously welcomed the Government's announcement that it intends to conduct community consultation on how best to protect human rights in Australia. The Attorney-General has once again stated that "the timing of the national consultation would be announced in due course." There is speculation that this may be announced on 10 December 2008, World Human Rights Day.

In his speeches, the Attorney-General cites human rights protections that we do have in Australia, and it is true that some rights are partially protected. However, a range of basic rights are still not protected by Australian law. There are many groups in Australian society at risk without stronger human rights safeguards. Without a Human Rights Act, or other codification of basic human rights, there is greater risk of abuses, less understanding of our rights and more likelihood of laws being passed that erode our rights, as has happened on a number of occasions in recent years.

The Attorney-General stated: "We are also considering how best to respond to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." Amnesty International Australia calls on the Government to make clear their support for the rights of Indigenous Australians.

In his speech, the Attorney-General discussed various human rights commitments and developments enacted by this Government. Amnesty International Australia strongly believes that a well funded, integrated National Plan of Action to Eliminate Violence Against Women is required to ensure the Government's protection of women's and children's human rights.

We now look forward to the Government commencing a comprehensive, accessible and inclusive consultation process in the very near future on effective and comprehensive protection of human rights in Australia.

Read the Attorney-General's latest speech.

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