Author Archives: Joel MacKay

Submission: Religious Freedom Bills – Exposure Drafts

Amnesty International welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission to the Attorney-General’s Department’s inquiry into the exposure drafts of the Religious Discrimination Bill 2019, Religious Discrimination (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019, and the Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Freedom of Religion) Bill 2019 (the Religious Discrimination Bills). Read our submission here. The issue of religious freedom and …

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Queensland investigation into and dismissal of youth justice staff must set the standard for all jurisdictions

In response to six staff members within Queensland’s Youth Justice Department being sacked amid dozens of cases of corruption, Amnesty International Australia is calling on the: Queensland Government to provide redress to the children and their families who have suffered; and for other states and territories to ensure that youth prisons are appropriately monitored and …

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Hong Kong: Urgent investigation needed after protester shot by police

Teenager in critical condition in hospital after being shot in chest Amnesty calling for urgent and independent investigation In response to the shooting of a protester by police in Hong Kong today during demonstrations marking China’s National Day, Man-Kei Tam, Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said: “The shooting of a protester marks an alarming …

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One week after NSW decriminalisation: jailing Moroccan journalist for having abortion a shocking reminder of global violation of women’s rights

Hajar Raissouni jailed for a year, along with her fiancé, while medical staff also jailed Raissouni, who has previously criticised the authorities, says case against her is politically-motivated  Responding to news that the Moroccan journalist Hajar Raissouni has been sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of having an abortion, Amnesty International Australia …

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Queensland Closing the Gap Report Card shows why justice targets are needed

The Queensland Government today became the first state to release a whole-of-government report card on efforts towards Closing the Gap. In response, Rodney Dillon, Indigenous Rights Adviser, at Amnesty International Australia, said: “Government and community solutions to close the gap of disadvantage between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians must be driven by data. “Report cards are …

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Submission: Inquiry into the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Removing Discrimination Against Students) Bill 2018

Amnesty International has submitted to the Senate inquiry into the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Removing Discrimination Against Students) Bill 2019.   READ SUBMISSION HERE Amnesty International reiterates its recommendations to the Religious Freedom Review Expert Panel and the inquiry into legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers, and staff and is now calling on the government …

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Submission: Inquiry into exemptions to discrimination law against LGBTQI students and teachers

Amnesty International has submitted to the Senate inquiry into legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers, and staff.  Read submission here Amnesty International reiterates its recommendations to the Religious Freedom Review Expert Panel and now calls on the government to amend the Sex Discrimination Act to ensure that students, teachers and other …

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Submission to the Queensland Productivity Commission Inquiry on Imprisonment and Recidivism

The Queensland Government asked the Queensland Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry to determine how government resources and policies may be best used to reduce imprisonment and recidivism to improve outcomes for the community. Amnesty International Australia submitted to the inquiry into imprisonment and recidivism focused on and making recommendations to go towards ending the …

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Submission: Human Rights of People Born with Variation in Sex Characteristics

Amnesty International has submitted to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s consultation into protecting the human rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics in the context of medical interventions. READ OUR SUBMISSION People with variations in sex characteristics in Australia are routinely subject to medical interventions without free, prior informed consent, typically in infancy, …

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