TasCOSS has called on the Government to reopen and extend consultation on the Anti-Discrimination Act amendment Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament next week.
“This Bill affects the balance between freedom of expression and freedom from vilification and prejudice; Tasmanians value these as fundamental human rights,” TasCOSS CEO Kym Goodes said.
“Brave, strong leadership is transparent and does not back down from lively, public discussion,” Ms Goodes said.
“If the changes in this Bill are warranted, it will be all the stronger for having gone through a vigorous and reasonable process to become law.”
Ms Goodes said TasCOSS had been given one week to consult and capture views on the Bill.
“This timeline was grossly inadequate and there is no indication of the reasons for the rush,” she said.
“In our sector alone there are strong and complex views on all sides of the discussion—and they all deserve to be heard.
“The one-week consultation period did not allow us to consult with any integrity on this Bill and we do not understand why such a timeframe has been determined – what is the rush?
“Consultation undertaken by the Government on the Education Act was long and comprehensive and provides an example of the process required when amendments to important Acts are being made.
“To nullify that demonstration of good governance with this rushed approach is disappointing and has the potential to be a human rights failure.”
TasCOSS represents the State’s social service sector and advocates for the human rights of all Tasmanians.
TasCOSS CEO Kym Goodes
