SIMON Corbell has introduced reforms to the ACT Legislative Assembly today to recognise the cultural rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The ACT Government is strengthening the Human Rights Act following a review of the operation and scope of the legislation,” Simon said.

“It is important that the ACT Government makes sure its own key legal documents acknowledge the unique and distinct culture of the traditional custodians of the ACT region.

“The government has been working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and ACT Human Rights Commissioner to develop these amendments. The amendments recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are a diverse group with differing histories and aspirations.

The Bill also extends obligations on public authorities to comply with the Human Rights Act and clarifies that children and young people have all human rights in addition to rights to protection.

“This is the first time that legislation in Australia will impose binding legal obligations on public authorities to comply with the right to education.”

The bill also makes it clear that children are to be treated as individuals and enjoy the full range of rights under the Human Rights Act.

“When assessing and justifying potential limits on rights resulting from legislative amendment or policy changes, careful attention must now be paid to the nature and extent of the impact on children, not only on the impact on the family generally.”