AHRC Human Rights Act

The Australian Human Rights Commission released their Human Rights Act report in which year?

• 2014

• 2019

• 2022

• 2023

Answer explanation

The report was released in 2022 and then again in 2023. I wanted to select both as correct answers but I couldn't figure out how.

Do courts have the power to strike down legislation inconsistent with the Human Rights Act under the dialogue model?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

A constitutionally entrenched bill of rights is often criticised for upsetting the balance of power but the dialogue model remedies this, using a notification process rather than a formal power that strikes down conflicting acts.

What would be the instrument used to notify parliament of legislation inconsistent with the proposed Human Rights Act?

Answer explanation

Declaration of Incompatibility (DOI): An instrument to notify parliament that a law cannot reasonably be interpreted consistently with human rights.

What act gives power to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights?

Which of the following is NOT a shortcoming of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights?

• Political Realities

• Lack of Independence

• Shifting National Priorities

• Lack of Consideration of Vulnerable Groups

What was a key failure of the Human Rights Framework during Covid-19?

The "Positive Duty" concept draws inspiration from which charter of rights?

• Canadian

• Victorian

• European

• Queensland

Name an article from the UNDRIP that the AHRC cited as reasoning for the targeting of Indigenous Australians as a disadvantaged group?

Answer explanation

Article 18 gives Indigenous peoples the right to participate in decision-making that affects their rights through their own representatives and institutions.

Article 19 asks that states consult with indigenous peoples' representative institutions to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before implementing measures affecting them.

Issues affecting minority rights are often attributed to what factors?

Answer explanation

Issues affecting minorities’ rights can often be attributed to a lack of populace, funding, or political power to have their voice heard.

The AHRC used consultees from a UN information campaign. What was the name of this campaign?

• Justice & Diversity

• What Works

• Health & Welfare

• Free & Equal

Answer explanation

“I appeal to all governments and societies … to build a world where no one has to be afraid because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres