2010 Children's Law Awards
The Hon
Catherine Branson QC, President, Australian Human Rights Commission
16 April 2010
Introduction
First, may I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and pay my respects to their elders, both past and present.
I would also like to acknowledge:
- Professor Richard Chisholm, former Justice of the Family Court of Australia
- Mr Frank Zipfinger, Chairman of ‘Mallesons in the Community’ Board
- Mr Simon Moran, Chair of the National Children's and Youth Law Centre
I am very pleased to be with you to present this year’s Children’s Law Awards, which recognise those who have worked to advance the legal rights and interests of young people in Australia.
Promoting respect for children’s rights
Tonight we recognise leading individuals and organisations who are involved in very important work – that of promoting respect for children’s rights. Late last year saw the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the international agreement that almost all nations have agreed to uphold. Many of you here tonight have been working to advance the rights and interests of children for at least that long.
You have worked to ensure:
- that children are protected from all forms of discrimination
- that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in all actions concerning children
- and that the views of children are respected.
These are the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Your work ensures that these, as well as many other human rights, are better protected in our community.
The Australia Human Rights Commission has special responsibility for the promotion and protection of children’s rights in Australia. We receive complaints about breaches of children’s rights by the Commonwealth Government. We hold public inquiries into issues of national importance such as the National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention. We provide advice and submissions to parliaments and governments regarding laws and policies affecting children. Finally, we develop human rights education materials for children and young people.
Late last year the Commission joined a number of other organisations in calling for a National Children’s Commissioner. We believe that establishing such an office would raise awareness of the importance of children’s rights and help to make consideration of children’s best interests a fundamental part of all government decision-making.
National Human Rights Consultation
Many of the organisations represented here tonight played an active role in last year’s National Human Rights Consultation. The National Children’s and Youth Law Centre led a number of organisations in a submission concerning the protection of children’s rights. Mallesons Stephens Jaques, our hosts tonight, made a comprehensive submission which supported the enactment of a national Human Rights Act.
The Australian Human Rights Commission was involved in seeking out the views of children and young people during the National Consultation and communicating these to the Consultation Committee. Time and time again, children and young people demonstrate an instinctive appreciation of the importance of fundamental human rights. They are often acutely aware of the importance of creating a fair and inclusive society. They want to participate in creating such a community.
The role of human rights education
However, children and young people throughout Australia could benefit from a greater understanding of the human rights that Australia has promised to respect, promote and protect.
This is why the Australian Human Rights Commission welcomed one of the key recommendations of the National Human Rights Consultation for a significantly enhanced human rights education program.
We know that educators throughout Australia already teach our children about values such as democracy, social inclusion and a fair go for all. We believe that this good work will be enhanced by a more specific focus on human rights.
The Commission has recently adopted as a priority the theme of ‘Building understanding and respect for rights in our community’. We are building on our already extensive work in providing human rights education resources. We will actively seek innovative ways of communicating with children and young people about the human rights that are most relevant to them.
I am very pleased that innovative education programs feature amongst tonight’s awards – there is much for us to learn from the work in which many of you are currently involved.
Conclusion
Finally, I would like to commend and thank everyone who has played a part in these awards, including the National Children's and Youth Law Centre, Mallesons Stephens Jaques and the federal Attorney General’s Department.
My hope is that the recognition given tonight will inspire you to continue to work for the protection of children’s rights, and that your achievements inspire others to follow your lead. I especially look forward to the day that some of the young people that you represent take their place in working to promote the rights of children and young people.
I congratulate all award recipients and those nominated for their outstanding and selfless achievements.
Thank you.
