Date Index - Submissions to the Commonwealth Parliament and law reform bodies

Legal

Submissions to the Parliaments and law reform bodies

Date Index

On the instructions of the Commission, another function of the Legal Section is to prepare submissions to the Commonwealth Parliament.

See below for some of the submissions prepared by the Legal Section and other units in the commission:

See also Submissions

2018

Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) - Bill 2018
Inquiry into local adoption - 12 June 2018
Independent Review of the Australian Public Service - 17 July 2018
Review of the Identity-matching Services Bill 2018 and the Australian Passports Amendment (Identity-matching Services) Bill 2018 - 29 March 2018
Migration Amendment (Clarification of Jurisdiction) - Bill 2018
Family Law Amendment (Parenting Management Hearings) - Bill 2017
Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) - Bill 2017
Religious Freedom Review - February 2018

2017

Review of the 'Declared Areas' provisions - 3 November 2017
Review of certain police powers, control orders and preventative detention orders - 3 November 2017
UN Submission - Committee On The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination - 30 October 2017
UN Submission - Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women – Information for List of Issues on Australia - 29 September 2017
UN Submission - Information concerning Australia’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - 18 September 2017
Submission to the Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Bill 2017 - 25 August 2017
Australian Citizenship Legislation (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 - 17 July 2017
Proposed changes to the test for Australian citizenship - 7 June 2017
Inquiry into Strengthening Multiculturalism - 19 May 2017
Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM) Statutory Deadline Review - 15 May 2017
Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 - 23 March 2017
Gender segregation in the workplace and its impact on women’s economic equality - 6 March 2017
Inquiry into freedom of speech - supplementary submission - 15 February 2017
Inquiry into Migrant Settlement Outcomes - 31 January 2017
Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill - 23 January 2017
Violence against women in Australia - 20 January 2017

2016

Inquiry into Freedom of Speech - 9 December 2016
Criminal Code Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2016 - 12 October 2016
Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill 2016 - 6 September 2016
Inquiry into harm being done to Australian children through access to pornography on the Internet - 16 April 2016
Inquiry into Domestic Violence and Gender Inequality - 4 April 2016
Indefinite detention of people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment in Australia - 31 March 2016
Inquiry into Human Trafficking - 4 March 2016
Inquiry into the Regulatory and Legislative Aspects of Surrogacy Arrangements - 17 February 2016
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Proceeds of Crime and Other Measures) Bill 2015 - 6 January 2016
Criminal Code Amendment (Firearms Trafficking) Bill 2015 - 6 January 2016

2015

Inquiry into the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill (No.1) 2015 - 9 December 2015
Senate inquiry on the Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2015 (Cth) - 26 November 2015
ALRC Freedoms Inquiry – Interim Report - 16 October 2015
Senate inquiry into the matter of a popular vote, in the form of a plebiscite or referendum, on the matter of marriage in Australia - 4 September 2015
Submission on the Inquiry into the Australian Government Boards (Gender Balanced Representation) Bill 2015 - 28 July 2015
Submission on the Inquiry into the Fairer Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill 2015 - 27 July 2015
Law Enforcement Legislation Amendment (Powers) Bill 2015 - 5 June 2015
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Social Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 - 21 May 2015
Submission to Inquiry into the responsibilities of the Commonwealth Government in connection with the management and operation of the Regional Processing Centre in Nauru - 27 April 2015
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Powers, Offences and Other Measures) Bill 2015 (Cth) - 16 April 2015
Senate inquiry into the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 (Cth) - 15 April 2015
Migration Amendment (Maintaining the Good Order of Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2015 (Cth) - 7 April 2015
Australia’s Second Universal Periodic Review - 21 March 2015
Inquiry into the Commonwealth’s Treaty-Making Process - 10 March 2015
Inquiry into the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2014 - January 14 2015

2014

Australian Citizenship and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 - 6 November 2014
Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Bill 2014 - 31 October 2014
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Character and General Visa Cancellation) Bill 2014 - 28 October 2014
Guardian for Unaccompanied Children Bill 2014 - 23 October 2014
Information concerning Australia's compliance with the Convention Against Torture - 17 October 2014
Inquiry into the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014 - 2 October 2014
Submission to Inquiry into the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 - 21 August 2014
Migration Amendment (Protecting Babies Born in Australia) Bill 2014 - 19 August 2014
Inquiry into the incident at the Manus Island Detention Centre from 16 February to 18 February 2014 - 16 May 2014
ALRC: Review of the Native Title Act 1993 - 14 May 2014
Inquiry into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning - 5 May 2014
Amendments to Part IIA, Racial Discrimination Act 1975 - 28 April 2014
Freedom of Speech (repeal of s.18C) Bill 2014 - response by Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson - 28 April 2014
Inquiry into Grandparents who take primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren - 20 March 2014
Enhancing Online Safety for Children - 5 March 2014
Inquiry into Technical and Further Education in Australia - 4 February 2014
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Regaining Control Over Australia’s Protection Obligations) Bill 2013 - 30 January 2014

2013

Preventing Sexual Abuse of Children in Out-of-Home Care - Royal Commission issues paper #4 - 8 November 2013
Child Safe Institutions - Royal Commission issues paper #3 - 13 October 2013
Towards Healing - AHRC response to Royal Commission issues paper #2 - September 2013
AHRC response to Working With Children Check - Royal Commission issues paper #1 - August 2013
Strengthening Human Rights Education in the Economics and Business Curriculum: Years 5-10 - July 2013
Strengthening Human Rights Education in the Civics and Citizenship Curriculum Year 3 to Year 10 - July 2013
Response to the Public Consultation on the Human Rights of Older Persons - June 2013
Submission on the exposure draft of the Charities Bill 2013 - May 2013
Review of parentage laws - 3 May 2013
Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 (House Standing Committee on Education and Employment) - 18 April 2013
Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 (Senate Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee) - 18 April 2013
Strengthening Human Rights Education in the Health and Physical Education Curriculum: Foundation to Year 10 - April 2013
Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Gender: Consultation Draft - April 2013
Value of a justice reinvestment approach - 13 March 2013
Information concerning Australia and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - March 2013
Review of the Sex Standard - March 2013
Native Title Amendment Bill 2012 - January 2013
Native Title Amendment Bill 2012 and future reform of the native title process - January 2013
Examination of the Migration (Regional Processing) package of legislation - January 2013
National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 - January 2013

2012

Inquiry into the Migration and Security Legislation Amendment (Review of Security Assessments) Bill 2012 - December 2012
Migration Amendment (Unauthorised Maritime Arrivals and Other Measures) Bill 2012 - December 2012
Exposure draft Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012 - December 2012
The Involuntary or Coerced Sterilisation of People with Disabilities in Australia - November 2012
Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual assault -response to the consultation paper - November 2012
Inquiry into Slavery, Slavery-like conditions and People Trafficking - October 2012
Strengthening human rights education in the Economics and Business curriculum - October 2012
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Health Care for Asylum Seekers) Bill 2012 - October 2012
Review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 - October 2012
COAG Review of Counter-Terrorism Legislation - September 2012
Review of Counter-Terrorism and National Security Legislation - September 2012
Independent Interim Report on CEDAW - 31 August 2012
Submission on the Exposure Draft, Homelessness Bill 2012 - 23 August 2012
Strengthening human rights education in the Civics and Citizenship curriculum - August 2012
The adequacy of the allowance payment system for jobseekers and others, the appropriateness of the allowance payment system as a support into work and the impact of the changing nature of the labour market (14 August 2012)
Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers (20 July 2012)
Strengthening human rights education in the Health and Physical Education curriculum - June 2012
Supplementary information to the Inquiry into Cyber Safety for Senior Australians (10 May 2012)
Information concerning Australia and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (04 May 2012)
Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Amendment Bill 2012 (12 April 2012)
Consideration of Australia’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture - 29 March 2012
Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2010 - 29 March 2012
Post Implementation Review of the Fair Work Act 2009 - 12 March 2012
Consultation on exposure draft National Human Rights Action Plan - 6 March 2012
Opening Statement to the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 - 1 March 2012
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Removal of Mandatory Minimum Penalties) Bill 2012 - 27 February 2012
Access and Equity: Inquiry into the responsiveness of Australian Government services to Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse population - 24 February 2012
Strengthening human rights education in the Geography Curriculum - February 2012
Inquiry into Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - 7 February 2012
Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related Bills (6 February 2012)
Inquiry into Crimes Amendment (Fairness for Minors) Bill 2011 (1 February 2012)
Consolidation of Commonwealth Discrimination law - domestic and family violence (23 January 2012)
Exposure Draft Bill Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery Like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012 (20 January 2012)
Inquiry into Cybersafety for Senior Australians (January 2012)

2011

Consolidation of Commonwealth Discrimination law (6 December 2011)
Inquiry into the Criminal Cases Review Commission Bill 2010 (25 November 2011)
A human rights approach to trafficking in persons (14 November 2011)
Inquiry into International Student Accommodation in New South Wales (17 October 2011)
Inquiry into Australia’s agreement with Malaysia in relation to asylum seekers (14 September 2011)
Consultation on the cross-curriculum priorities (1 September 2011)
Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Dialogues with China and Vietnam (August 2011)
Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the Joint Select Committee on Australia’s Immigration Detention Network (August 2011)
Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011 (12 August 2011)
Information concerning Australia and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (August 2011)
Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 (1 August 2011)
Inquiry into the Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011 (29 July 2011)
Strengthening human rights education in the geography curriculum (7 July 2011)
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Detention Reform and Procedural Fairness) Bill 2011 (23 June 2011)
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test and Other Provisions) Bill 2011 (31 May 2011)
Inquiry into Multiculturalism in Australia (29 April 2011)
Family Violence and Commonwealth Laws: Employment and Superannuation (21 April 2011)
Independent Review of the Intelligence Community (April 2011)

2010

Submission on Draft Indigenous Economic Development Strategy (17 December 2010)
Inquiry into the Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People Bill 2010 (15 December 2010)
Discussion paper: Leading practice agreements: maximising outcomes from native title benefits (30 November 2010)
Consultation Paper: Native Title, Indigenous Economic Development and Tax (30 November 2010)
Tasmanian Human Rights Charter Consultation (21 November 2010)
Inquiry into the Sex and Age Discrimination Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (3 November 2010)
Letter to the Committee against Torture regarding issues for Australia (4 September 2010)
Refining the Australian Public Service Values (2 August 2010)
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2010 and the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2010 (7 July 2010)
Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (6 July 2010)
FaHCSIA Exposure Draft of the Policy Outlines for Income Management (25 June 2010)
Submission to the Review of Government Compensation Payments (15 June 2010)
National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 and Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement Bill 2010 (6 May 2010)
Information provided to the OHCHR study on challenges and best practices in the implementation of the international framework for the protection of the rights of the child in the context of migration (April 2010)
Inquiry into the future direction and role of the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee - 19 March 2010

2009

Inquiry into the Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act Bill 2009 and other Bills - 15 February 2010
Reform of Australian Government Administration - November 2009
Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment Bill (No 2) 2009 - 27 November 2009
Inquiry into the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 and Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency - 30 October 2009
Inquiry into Access to Justice - 20 October 2009
Inquiry into hearing health in Australia - 16 October 2009
National Security Legislation Proposed Amendments - 9 October 2009
Web accessibility and Government 2.0 - 1 October 2009
Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection) Bill 2009 - 30 September 2009
Submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works on the Proposed Redevelopment of the Villawood Immigration Detention Facility - 18 September 2009
Submission to Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 - 10 September 2009
Inquiry into national homelessness legislation - 1 September 2009
Submission to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people – Australian mission - 17 August 2009
World Program for Human Rights Education - July 2009
Australian Human Rights Commission Supplementary Submission on Human Rights Education - July 2009
Migration Amendment (Immigration Detention Reform) Bill 2009 - 31 July 2009
Inquiry into the National Security Legislation Monitor Bill 2009 - 27 July 2009
Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the National Human Rights Consultation - June 2009
Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment Bill 2009 - 24 April 2009
Review of Australia’s Fourth Periodic Report on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights - 17 April 2009
Covert Search Warrants - 18 March 2009
Australia's Future Tax System (Retirement Income System) - 27 February 2009
Proposed minor native title amendments - 19 February 2009
Model Spent Convictions Bill - 05 February 2009
Inquiry into the Fair Work Bill 2008 - 23 January 2009
Inquiry into the Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 - 16 January 2009
Australia the Healthiest Country by 2020 - 14 January 2009
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee inquiry into Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program - 2009

2008

Northern Territory Homeland Policy Submission - 15 December 2008
Proposed Wild Rivers Declarations - November 2008
Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave - 24 November 2008
Ratification of 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection & Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions - 5 November 2008
Social Security and Veteran’s Entitlements Legislation Amendment (Schooling Requirements) 2008 Bill - 13 October 2008
Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review Issues Paper 3: Integrity and Exploitation - 13 October 2008
Ratification of 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage - 24 September 2008
Inquiry into pay equity and associated issues related to increasing female participation in the workforce - 23 September 2008
Inquiry into the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws – General Law Reform) Bill 2008 - 15 September 2008
Inquiry into the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill 2008 [No.2] - 12 September 2008
Inquiry into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage - 15 August 2008
Northern Territory Emergency Response Review Board - 15 August 2008
Inquiry into the effectiveness of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality - 1 September 2008
Submission to Inquiry into Immigration Detention in Australia - 4 August 2008
Submission to Inquiry into the Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial Matters and Other Measures) Bill 2008 - 30 July 2008
Submission to Inquiry into the Evidence Amendment Bill 2008 - 30 July 2008
Inquiry into the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws - Superannuation) Bill 2008 - 30 July 2008
Effects of the ongoing Efficiency Dividend on Smaller Public Sector Agencies - 29 July 2008
Inquiry into Better Support for Carers - 15 July 2008
Discussion paper "Australia's Children: Safe and Well - A National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children" - 14 July 2008
Combating the Defamation of Religions submission to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - 4 July 2008
Homelessness: Which way home? - 4 July 2008
Australian Citizenship Test - 5 June 2008
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave. - 2 June 2008
Submission to the Clarke Inquiry on the Case of Dr Mohamed Haneef - May 2008
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave. Oral submission by Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick - 20 May 2008
The Inquiry into the 2007 Federal Election - 15 May 2008
Inquiry into the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media environment - 18 April 2008
Submission of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) to the Australia 2020 Summit - April 2008
Submission to Inquiry into the Stolen Generation Compensation Bill 2008 - 9 April 2008
Australia’s compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (April 2008)
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations - Discussion Paper, National Employment Standards Exposure Draft - 4 April 2008

2007

NSW Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Law and Justice on the Inquiry into the Prohibition on the Publication of Names of Children involved in Criminal Proceedings - 7 December 2007
Inquiry into Client Legal Professional Privilege & Federal Investigatory Bodies - 5 November 2007
Northern Territory National Emergency Response Legislation - 10 August 2007
NSW Attorney General's Dept - Discussion paper on the law of consent and sexual assault - 20 July 2007
Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing Bill) 2007 - 6 July 2007
Migration Amendment (Review Provisions) Bill 2006 - Jan 2007
- Opening Statement to Submission
Inquiry into the Native Title [Amendment] Bill 2006 - Jan 2007
Review of the power to proscribe terrorist organisations - Feb 2007
Inquiry into the future impact of serious and organised crime on Australian Society - Feb 2007
Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007 - Mar 2007
Inquiry into eligibility requirements and monitoring, enforcement and reporting arrangements for Temporary Business Visas - January 2007

2006

Defence Legislation Amendment (Aid to Civilian Authorities) Bill 2005 - Jan 2006
- Click here to access the Senate inquiry into the Bill
Australian Citizenship Bill 2005 - Jan 2006
Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002 (Cth) and Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2003 (Cth) - Jan 2006
- Response to Questions on Notice
Submission to the Family Law Council Discussion Paper on Relocation - 28 March 2006
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Electoral integrity and other measures) Bill 2005 - Mar 2006
Villawood Immigration detention centre redevelopment, Sydney - March 2006
Extradition Review submission - April 2006
Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006 - May 2006
Inquiry into Civics and electoral education - June 2006
Submission for consideration in determining the first national wage decision - July 2006 (PDF 399 kb)
Stolen Wages Inquiry - Aug 2006
Comments on the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Bill 2006 and draft consolidated AML/TF Rules - Aug 2006
Crimes Amendment (Bail and Sentencing) Bill 2006 - Sept 2006
Mutual Assistance Review - Oct 2006
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Bill 2006 - Nov 2006
Inquiry into Children, Young People and the Built Environment - Nov 2006
Older people and the law inquiry - Dec 2006
Tasmanian Law Reform Institute’s Issues Paper: A Charter of Rights for Tasmania? - Dec 2006
Attorney-General's Department's Second Discussion paper on technical amendments to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) - Dec 2006

2005

2004

Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee Inquiry Criminal Code Amendment (Suicide Related Material Offences) Bill 2004 - August 2004
An Inquiry into provisions of the National Security Information (Criminal Proceedings) Bill 2004 and National Security Information (Criminal Proceedings) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2004 - June 2004
Provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Bill (No. 2) 2004 - July 2004
Provisions of the Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill 2004 - July 2004
The Migration Amendment (Judicial Review) Bill 2004 -
- Supplementary submissions - Migration Amendment (Judicial Review) Bill 2004
Protecting Classified and Security Sensitive Information – Background Paper 8
Submission of March 2004
Submission of September 2003
The ALRC Discussion Paper is available at: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/alrc/publications/dp/67/
The ALRC Background Paper is available at http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/alrc/publications/bp/8/bp8.htm
Sex Discrimination Amendment (Teaching Profession) Bill 2004 -
- Supplementary submissions on the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Teaching Profession) Bill 2004

2003

Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003
- Summary of Submission on the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003
- Questions on Notice arising from evidence given to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee's Reference on the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003
  - Response - dated 8 May 2003
  - Response - dated 13 May 2003
    - Appendix A: Complaints made under more than one Act
    - Appendix B: Corporate Plan, Jan 2003 - Dec 2005

Age Discrimination Bill 2003 - Sept 2003
Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 1998

Inquiry into the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

2002

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002 - May 2002
Human Rights and Good Governance Education - 20 December 2002
The Migration Litigation Review

2001

Recruitment in Australian Defence Force - 2001

2000