Submissions on the Human Rights Bill 2018 sent to the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee have commenced being posted on the Queensland Parliament website. You can view the submissions (including PeakCare’s submission) by clicking here. Look through the long list of submissions that have been posted so far and you will notice the very large number lodged by private individuals as well as organisations and other entities. It is the declarations of support for this legislation coming from so many private citizens that should prompt us to regard the Bill as ‘the people’s legislation’ – it seems like a fitting term.
How aware are you of the impact that this legislation will have on your organisation and the children, young people and families who receive your organisation’s services? Those who attended the What will a Human Rights Act for Queensland mean for your organisation? event hosted by QCOSS in association with other community services sector peaks including PeakCare on 28th November are more likely to be able to answer this question than many. This event featured an address by the Hon. Yvette D’Ath MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and a discussion led by a panel comprising members from both Queensland and Victoria with the Victorians able to speak about the impact of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 within their State. This event was filmed and the video will soon be posted on Community Door. If you were unable to attend on the day, stay tuned for advice about when the video is posted and make sure that you watch it. It is very important that non-government organisations stay on top of what this legislation will mean to you.