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Media release — 7 December 2007CHANGE AND OPPORTUNITYOn the eve of International Human Rights Day, the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Susan Booth said, ‘The new federal government has the opportunity of a lifetime to put human rights issues on the agenda.’ She listed a raft of topics which she said ‘need to be considered and acted on in the term of this government, including some that need urgent attention.’ These include federal intervention in Aboriginal communities, changes to the industrial relations laws, ratification of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Disabled People and on Indigenous Peoples, implementing recommendations from the inquiry into same-sex financial and work-related entitlements and establishing national maternity leave provisions. Ms Booth said ‘Approaching these issues from a human rights perspective provides a real way forward - you just have to treat people equally and with respect.’ With most of these federal issues directly affecting Queenslanders, Ms Booth urged all Queenslanders to take an interest at what is happening at the national level. Ms Booth added, ‘Of course, federal laws impact on the states, and this is a great time for the new federal government to recognise the human rights of all Queenslanders and all Australians.’ ‘It's a time to reflect both on what's been achieved, and what's left to do,’ said Ms Booth. ‘ Let's not underestimate the amount of work we have on the table right now. I urge both state and federal governments to take a leadership role in advancing human rights in Australia and internationally. There is no time to waste.’ International Human Rights Day is commemorated around the world on 10 December every year. It marks the day in 1948 that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations. The Declaration promotes and protects human rights and states that respect for human rights and human dignity is the foundation for freedom, justice and peace in the world. For further comment contact Susan Booth
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