The tabling date for a major report into Australia’s human rights framework has been postponed by two months, to 30 May 2024. The report, after 14 months’ analysis by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, is expected to detail the full benefits that could accrue by modernising and improving the framework. In particular it is likely to discuss how to avoid more illegal Robodebt claims, ancient fines resurrected by the ATO and similar bureaucratic fiascos. Better empowering citizens in the long run could enhance trust in parliament, politicians, government and Australian democracy itself. Also, in contrasting approaches reported this month, the ATO is planning to take over government digital communications even as another parliamentary committee tries to rein in government IT projects to prevent waste.
Other items in April include:
- Judges acquit more often than juries do
- Security Monitor flags possible winding back of terror law
- Health suffers as rights decline
- Top Aussie judge’s main concern is passage of an expensive camel
- Senator prods government over promised improvements
- ACT appoints new DPP: was appointment process flawed?
- CLA wants secret ‘mafia’ evidence released
- Shield may no longer protect gun manufacturers
- French entrench abortion right in Constitution