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Public Hearings

The committee has held a number of public hearings as part of this inquiry - in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, New Mapoon, Thursday Island and Lockhart River. 

Transcripts (once available) can be accessed under the related publications tab.

Other Information

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Report

The committee tabled its report on the 30 June 2016.  It can be accessed here.

Submissions

Submissions closed on Monday, 18 April 2016.   Submission received can be viewed under the Submissions tab.

Submissions will only be published following formal acceptance by the Committee.

Terms of Reference

On 3 December 2015, the Legislative Assembly directed the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee to inquire into whether it is appropriate and desirable to legislate for a Human Rights Act (HR Act) in Queensland, other than through a constitutionally entrenched model.

The committee is required to report by 30 June 2016.

The full terms of reference are:

1. That the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee inquire into whether it is appropriate and desirable to legislate for a Human Rights Act (HR Act) in Queensland, other than through a constitutionally entrenched model.
2. That, in undertaking the inquiry, the committee consider:
   1. the effectiveness of current laws and mechanisms for protecting human rights in Queensland and possible improvements to these mechanisms;
   2. the operation and effectiveness of human rights legislation in Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and by ordinary statute internationally;
   3. the costs and benefits of adopting a HR Act (including financial, legal, social and otherwise); and
   4. previous and current reviews and inquiries (in Australia and internationally) on the issue of human rights legislation.
3. That, if the committee decides it would be appropriate and desirable to legislate for a HR Act in Queensland, the committee consider:
   1. the objectives of the legislation and rights to be protected;
   2. how the legislation would apply to: the making of laws, courts and tribunals, public authorities and other entities;
   3. the implications of laws and decisions not being consistent with the legislation;
   4. the implications of the legislation for existing statutory complaints processes; and
   5. the functions and responsibilities under the legislation.
4. That the committee invite public submissions, consult with the community and key stakeholders and report to the Legislative Assembly by 30 June 2016.