UN Rapporteurs Never Sought Briefing

The criticism by the three UN Human Rights Special Rapporteurs of the Workplace (Protection from Protesters) Bill is incorrect and founded upon false information.

A preliminary search has indicated that at no stage has the Government been contacted by the UNHCR to seek a briefing on the Bill.

The Government would be happy to provide that briefing should it be requested.

Unfortunately, it appears the critique is based solely upon misinformation being peddled by the Community Legal Centres Tasmania.

Its letter to the UNHCR was co-signed by radical protest groups including the Wilderness Society, Markets for Change, and the Bob Brown Foundation.

It would seem that the Special Rapporteurs have only heard one side of this debate.

Ill-informed criticism serves no purpose except to inflame ignorant debate rather than douse it with fact.

The Government also notes that Article 23 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.”

That is what this Bill seeks to protect.

It is also notable that the principles of this Bill were taken to the March election and endorsed by the people of Tasmania.

As Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also states: “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government…”
Paul Harriss, Minister for Resources