- Statutory review to examine the Queensland Human Rights Commission's functions and performance.
- Review to also examine the operation of the Human Rights Act as required by legislation, in addition to Respect at Work Act provisions.
- Retired Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Peter Flanagan KC, will be appointed to lead this wide-ranging review.
- The Crisafulli Government delivers on election commitment to examine next steps for anti-discrimination law in Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment and launching a comprehensive review to ensure Queenslanders are protected by fair, effective, and accessible human rights and anti-discrimination frameworks.
The review will take a holistic view of how Queenslanders experience human rights and anti-discrimination protections in practice - from renting a home or accessing services, to interacting with government agencies, and resolving complaints.
The review, required by legislation, will focus on whether current laws and institutions are delivering timely, practical, and efficient outcomes for victims, families, businesses, and community organisations across Queensland.
Uncommenced provisions of Labor's rushed Respect at Work Act will also form part of the review.
The Department of Justice raised serious concerns about how the laws impact high risk discretionary decisions such as weapons licensing, police protection notices and security provider licensing.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the review would ensure Queensland's framework is modern, practical, and responsive to the needs of the community.
"We want Queenslanders to be able to easily understand their rights, access support when they need it, and have confidence that the system works effectively," the Attorney-General said.
"This review will allow us to take a holistic view of Queensland's human rights and anti-discrimination frameworks, ensuring they are fair, effective, and fit for purpose.
"It also provides a pathway to resolve the significant issues contained within Labor's problem-plagued Respect at Work Act."
The Honourable Peter Flanagan KC is to be appointed as reviewer, bringing decades of distinguished legal expertise, having already served as counsel assisting for three commissions of inquiry.
Mr Flanagan is a highly respected former judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, serving in the Trial Division, Court of Appeal, and as President of the Mental Health Court.
"I look forward to undertaking this significant body of work and consulting with relevant stakeholders," Mr Flanagan said.
"In doing so I am aware of the need for all people in Queensland, especially the most vulnerable, to be protected by a workable and effective human rights and anti- discrimination framework."
The review will commence next week and is due to be completed by 31 March 2027, with the final report to be tabled in the Legislative assembly.
Terms of Reference for the review can be found https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/review-of-the-queensland-human-rights-commission
