Lidia Thorpe says Labor’s Voice fixation has delayed Indigenous human rights report
KEY POINTS:
- Lidia Thorpe has described the Voice as a ‘destructive distraction’.
- Thorpe links the delay of a report into Indigenous human rights to the Voice.
- Australia initially rejected the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Thorpe, who sits on the inquiry, dismissed that explanation as a distraction and said the government had had “ample time” since the inquiry opened.
Committee chair Patrick Dodson says the delay is to ensure all states and territories can be heard. Source: AAP
She told SBS News that implementing UNDRIP was part of a “growing list of crucial and urgent reforms” that hadn’t been addressed while Labor pursued the Voice.
“The Voice is proving to be a destructive distraction from the government taking action right now to implement UNDRIP and bring Australia in line with the most basic human rights standards for First Peoples,” she said.
“It is clear that Labor is using the Voice debate to cover up its continued and deliberate efforts to prevent the implementation of basic human rights protections for First Peoples.”
“The committee is also keen to learn about how public education and knowledge-sharing programs might improve adherence.”
Labor blocked debate on Thorpe’s private member’s bill, which would see UNDRIP folded into Australian domestic law, in August until after the inquiry has handed down its report.
Australians will vote on a Voice to Parliament at the end of the year. Source: AAP / Aaron Bunch
There is now no guarantee it will be released before Australians vote in the Voice referendum some time at the end of the year.
In public hearings held between October and June, the inquiry heard from Commonwealth departments and the ACT Human Rights Commission. But representatives from the other state and territory governments did not appear.
What is UNDRIP?
It’s non-binding, but is categorised into four main principles:
- Self-determination
- Participation in decision-making
- Respect for the protection of culture
- Equality and non-discrimination
Australia was one of just four countries to reject the resolution during the final days of the Howard government, but announced its support under Kevin Rudd in 2009.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/lidia-thorpe-says-labors-voice-fixation-has-delayed-indigenous-human-rights-report/qkn6bvqsy Lidia Thorpe says Labor’s Voice fixation has delayed Indigenous human rights report
