News

CLCs are seizing a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to push for greater human rights protection. Launched in December 2008, the Federal Government is consulting on the adequacy of human rights protection, and the possibility of a ‘bill’ or ‘charter’ of rights.

As well as individual CLCs and the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC) making submissions to the consultation, CLCs are finding ways to facilitate community participation.

Kingsford Legal Centre has met with several community organisations and groups of the general public, including the local ‘knitting group’ to discuss human rights and collect submissions. Consulations are also being organised with the local interagency groups.  CCLCG has provided kits to CLCs that include Human Rights awareness posters, a one-page survey and collection box to allow clients to have their say.

On January 26th Kingsford Legal Centre, with the assistance of Redfern Legal Centre and the Tenants Union had a stall at Yabun – the annual festival celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures at Victoria Park in central Sydney. The stall was ‘the hit’ of Yabun, collecting nearly 150 submissions to the Consultation, and attracting a constant stream of visitors. Children were entertained with activities and lollies while parents talked about human rights in Australia with CLC staff and volunteers and filled in the surveys.

With the consultation extended to 15 June 2009, CLCs will continue to engage their communities about human rights and encourage their submissions to the Consultation.
For further information on CCLCG’s participation in the consultation, please contact Roxana Zulfacar on Roxana_Zulfacar@clc.net.au or phone 9212 7333.