Week 3

Question 1

Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 (Cth)

Answer 1

Aims to promote human rights as defined in important international traties such as ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW and CRC

To main methods of promoting human rights in Australia:

1. Establishment of ‘Pasrliamentary Join Committee on Human Right’ which examines laws and issues from a human rights perspective
2. All new acts require a ‘Statement of Compatability’ which assesses whether the proposed acts align with human rights as defined by Ausdtralia’s ratified human rights treaties. Incompatable acts are flagged by the committee and recommednations are made as to how they could be amended.

The weakness odf the act is that the committees power is limited to investigations and making recommendations several bills have passed parliament which are in violation of international law.