The Federal Government should mark UN Human Rights Day by committing to urgent reform offering real protection for all Australians against prejudice, bullying, discrimination and violence, according to Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Human Rights, says that when the Human Rights Consultation Report was handed down in October, the Government said it would consider the report and outline its response in coming months.

"Whatever issues the Government needs to consider, it is clear there is widespread concern in the Australian public about the need for government protection of human rights,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.
"Of the 35,000 submissions to the consultation, 32,000 raised the issue of a charter of rights or a Human Rights Act - and of those nearly 28,000 (87 per cent) were in favour of a charter or Act.

"To paraphrase the old saying, Human Rights delayed are Human Rights denied. The Prime Minister needs to back up his talk of support for human rights by real action - and the best real action would be a comprehensive Human Rights Act.''

The Federal Government has tried to avoid discussion of a Human Rights Act, preferring to focus attention on improving levels of public education and parliamentary scrutiny.

But while these goals are laudable, the most effective approach would be to enact legislation as well as a clear outline setting out for the first time what Australia stands for on human rights, Senator Hanson-Young says.

"This report must not be left sitting in the in-tray until the Government deems it appropriate to deal with - we need a timetable now,'' Senator Hanson-Young said.

"Everyone has the right to fair and equal treatment, whether it relates to access to justice, protection from violence, the ability to marry the one they love, regardless of gender, or something else.

"Kevin Rudd should back his Government's talk on this issue with legislative action - to make it clear that Australia will not tolerate restriction of human rights, in whatever form that may take, wherever it may occur.''