Australian Human Rights Commission
Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee, 18 September 2017
ensure that any reforms that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples’ lands are undertaken with their free, prior and
informed consent.
implement the recommendations of the ALRC’s Connection to
Country Review of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and the Council
of Australian Governments’ Investigation into Indigenous Land
Administration and Use in order to better recognise and protect
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ native title rights
and interests.
ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to
their traditional estates are not negatively affected by the
development of northern Australia.
Recommendation 9: That the Australian Government:
commit to cut the disproportionate rates of violence against
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to close the gap by
2040 (with priority strategies for women and children);
prioritise early intervention and prevention initiatives that provide
comprehensive support and protection from violence to
vulnerable Indigenous populations including women, children and
the elderly.
Recommendation 10: That the Australian Government provide adequate
ongoing funding of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
and to Indigenous legal assistance programs.
Recommendation 11: That the Australian Government develop with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a model for constitutional
recognition and for a First Nations’ voice to Parliament.
Recommendation 12: That the Australian Government develop the Plan
to Improve Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
with Disability.
Older persons
Recommendation 13: That the Australian Government implement
recommendations from the ALRC’s report Elder Abuse—A National
Legal Response and continue to work towards the development of a
national plan to tackle elder abuse.
Recommendation 14: That the Australian Government implement the
recommendations in the Willing to Work Report to reduce employment
discrimination against older Australians and Australians with disability.
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