Aimee McVeigh writes in the IBrisbane Times (13.10.15) that a Human Rights Act for Queensland would show people their government cares.
‘A Human Rights Act is an ordinary piece of legislation – it is not a US Bill of Rights that would mean that judges can interfere with the parliament’s law-making powers and it won’t mean that Queenslanders have the right to bear arms.
Human rights legislation has changed things for people in Victoria and the ACT.
Former Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls says it has:
- Meant better accessibility on public transport;
- Given older same-sex couples access to superannuation benefits;
- Meant that the right to a fair hearing has been better enforced;
- Saved single mothers, elderly people and people with disability from eviction; and
- Meant something as simple as a man living with disability in shared supported accommodation was finally allowed access to his own mail and a woman in residential care had her right to privacy when showering better protected.
‘A month ago the Queensland Government committed to holding a parliamentary inquiry into the issue of a Human Rights Act for Queensland.’