Source: Office of the Attorney General, Hon Robert McClelland MP and Office of the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, Hon Bill Shorten MP

Joint Media Release

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services
The Hon Bill Shorten MP

25 June 2009

FURTHER MEASURES TO IMPROVE DISABILITY RIGHTS

Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today welcomed the passage of the Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 through Parliament.

The Bill will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our anti‑discrimination system and clarifies the obligation of employers, service providers and other parties to remove discriminatory barriers for people with disabilities.

“These reforms will contribute to ensuring that our laws continue to promote greater equality, equal opportunity and a fair go for people with disabilities” said Mr McClelland.  

The Attorney-General has also signed a declaration under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1986 to enable the Australian Human Rights Commission to conciliate complaints based on breaches of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr Shorten said the declaration gives the Commission power to consider disability rights under the Convention and enables it to report to Government on how the Convention is being implemented.

“People with disabilities will welcome these further steps in recognising their human rights and contribution to the Australian community,” said Mr Shorten.

These steps are a further demonstration of the Rudd Government’s commitment to enhancing human rights for all Australians.

Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630