The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on our commitment to restore integrity to government with the passage today of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022.
The bill restores the international reputation of the AHRC by ensuring Commissioners are appointed through a merit-based and transparent process.
In March this year the AHRC had its re-accreditation as an 'A'-status National Human Rights Institution deferred due to successive Coalition governments appointing Commissioners with no consultation or transparency.
The threatened downgrading was yet another damning indictment of the former government's nine years of constant attacks on the Commission's independence.
This should never have happened.
I'm proud that the first bill I introduced as Attorney-General in the Albanese Labor Government delivers on our election promise to restore the AHRC's standing and reaffirms our commitment to restore transparency and integrity to government.
An independent AHRC is fundamental to Australia's human rights agenda - both internationally and domestically.
The Albanese Labor Government strongly supports the work of the AHRC and is committed to restoring its international reputation.
