Importantly, this week marked Human Rights Day (10 December 2024), first observed in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Human rights underpin all of TasCOSS’s advocacy around poverty, inequality and exclusion, and as such we were pleased to see the motion made by the Hon Meg Webb MLC in relation to the need for stronger legislative provisions to promote and protect human rights pass in the Legislative Council earlier this month. The Member for Nelson’s motion recommends the Government commit to introducing a Tasmanian Human Rights Act during this term of Parliament, and that this legislation should be consistent with the recommendations of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute (both their initial report in 2007, and the updated report from 2024).
We strongly believe human rights legislation would provide a framework for the recognition and protection of rights, promoting the safety and wellbeing of all Tasmanians, but particularly those groups who experience or are at risk of experiencing disadvantage.
TasCOSS will continue to lobby the Government to draft and introduce legislation for a Tasmanian Human Rights Act during this term of Parliament, so all Tasmanians can benefit from having their rights upheld and protected.