Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

Sydney law professor a great candidate for international disability rights committee

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes AM, today welcomed the Australian Government's nomination of Professor Ron McCallum AO for election to the international committee to monitor implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Australia, as one of the first countries to become a party to this important human rights treaty, is eligible to nominate a candidate for the committee election which will be held in New York on 3 November.

"Professor McCallum is an eminent Australian and I am fortunate to have had him as a friend and mentor,” said Commissioner Innes. “His achievements in the law, culminating in his term as Dean of the Law School at Sydney University, plus his lived experience of disability, provide him with excellent qualifications for this role."

"All Australians - disability community representatives in particular - should applaud and support this nomination."

Commissioner Innes said that Australian government and non-government representatives had made outstanding contributions to the promotion of human rights for people with disability through the international system. Professor McCallum, if elected, would take that contribution to new levels.

Information on the Committee and the Convention can be accessed at www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crpd/crpds1.htm

Media contact: Brinsley Marlay (02) 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529