Thursday, 21 February 2008
Pornography restrictions to further protect Aboriginal children in the NT
Amendments to legislation introduced into federal Parliament today to reduce the exposure of children to pornographic material available on pay television in the Northern Territory is a necessary and welcome move, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.
Commissioner Calma said the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Emergency Response Consolidation) Bill 2008 will contribute to addressing child abuse and family disintegration in affected communities.
“The Northern Territory intervention has revealed a determined commitment across society to address the horrors of family violence and child abuse in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and to create a better future,” Mr Calma said.
“Aboriginal children – wherever they live in Australia – deserve a future in which they have the same opportunity as other children to thrive, develop and enjoy life.”
The Bill introduced today amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 to restrict potential broadcasting and transportation of pornography to certain communities at the request of the community and after consultation with them.
“These amendments will further ensure Aboriginal children are protected from the potential for violence and abuse,” Mr Calma said.
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is particularly pleased to see that the Bill adopts an approach which is consistent with the special measures provisions of the Racial Discrimination Act, rather than seeking to override it.
“This means that it adopts an approach consistent with human rights - which is vital to ensure community respect and credibility for the measures and help to assist their effectiveness,” Mr Calma said.
Media contact: Louise McDermott on (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
