Page 2757 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 14 August 1990
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Members of the Assembly, I wish to place on record our approval of these reforms. I notice they received very careful consideration by the Criminal Law Consultative Committee and the criminal law of the Territory has been greatly strengthened as a result. I am also pleased to note the inclusion of the express protection against torture. Australia has a high reputation in this area, but nevertheless I believe it is appropriate for the law to outlaw all forms of behaviour that contradict our basic human rights. The existence of such laws will help to ensure that our reputation continues to be deserved.
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Ministerial Statement and Papers
MR COLLAERY (Attorney-General): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement on the United Nations convention on the rights of the child and the first and second optional protocols to the international covenant on civil and political rights.
Mr Berry: We were aware of that, yes.
MR ACTING SPEAKER: Leave is granted, Mr Collaery.
MR COLLAERY: I am indebted to Vladimir. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Mr Acting Speaker; I think the Chair has ruled on the names of - - -
MR ACTING SPEAKER: It has on previous occasions. Could we withdraw that? I do not think we have anyone called Mr Vladimir and I do not think it is anyone's Christian name either.
MR COLLAERY: I recall now that one should use surnames. Mr Acting Speaker, this statement outlines the contents of the United Nations convention on the rights of the child and the first and second optional protocols to the international covenant on civil and political rights. I would also like to advise the Assembly of the approach the Alliance Government will take in future in relation to international incidents. The optional protocols to the international covenant on civil and political rights have not been debated by the Assembly. I will briefly outline their contents.
The first optional protocol provides an international forum for persons who believe their civil or political rights have been violated. This forum will be available to persons who have exhausted all avenues of the field in their own countries but still believe they have been denied justice. I think we all agree Australia itself has a sound record on the protection of its citizens' civil and political rights. However, residents of other nations are
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