Royal Commission welcome but lack of Indigenous consultation disappointing
The Human Rights Law Centre welcomes the announcement by the Turnbull Government of a Royal Commission into youth detention in the Northern Territory, but expresses extreme disappointment over the lack of consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
“This Royal Commission represents a great opportunity for change. But the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, particularly those in the NT, is critical to the impact, credibility and legitimacy of the Royal Commission,” said Ruth Barson, Director of Legal Advocacy at the HRLC.
The HRLC welcomes that the Royal Commission will consider breaches of international human rights standards in addition to breaches of Commonwealth or Territory law. However proper consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations should have been the first step before appointing the Commissioner and setting out the terms of reference for the inquiry.
“The Federal Government has prioritised consulting with the Northern Territory Government, which was both directly and indirectly involved in the abuse and mistreatment, over consultation with organisations who represent the communities affected by the abuse. It’s symptomatic of a system that repeatedly excludes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on important decisions affecting them,” said Ms Barson.
For all media queries, please contact:
Ruth Barson, Director of Legal Advocacy, Human Rights Law Centre: 0417 773 037
Media Enquiries
Chandi Bates
Media and Communications Manager
Rio Tinto to face scrutiny at AGM for response to Panguna mine disaster
As shareholders meet in Perth today for Rio Tinto’s AGM, communities living with the ongoing devastation from Rio Tinto’s former Panguna mine are calling for the company to urgently commit to funding long-term solutions.
Read more
Malinauskas Government must take historic opportunity and adopt Human Rights Act after inquiry recommendation
The Human Rights Law Centre has congratulated the South Australian parliamentary inquiry recommendation for a South Australian Human Rights Act.
Read more
Legal challenge filed against Tasmanian Parole Board’s decision to gag free speech
The Human Rights Law Centre has filed legal proceedings on behalf of Tasmanian grandmother, Susan Neill-Fraser, to challenge a restrictive parole condition placed on her by the Tasmanian Parole Board seeking to limit her ability to speak to the media.
Read more
Acknowledgement of Country
The Human Rights Law Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, including the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Darug and Wadawurrung people where we work from.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present. This land always was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
WARNING: This site contains images or names of people who have passed away.