THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
MEDIA RELEASE
APPOINTMENT OF TIM WILSON AS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC has questioned the Abbott Government's appointment of Tim Wilson as a Human Rights Commissioner, as a first step towards their promised Freedom Commissioner'.
"While I welcome any additional resources for the Human Rights Commission, Mr Wilson's position as Policy Director of the Institute of Public Affairs makes his appointment questionable, Mr Dreyfus said.
"Earlier this year the IPA made a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee calling for the abolition of the Human Rights Commission.
"How can Mr Wilson possibly undertake the role of a Human Rights Commissioner when it's obvious he has such contempt for the Commission itself?
"In their pre-election wish list for the Abbott Government the IPA also made clear their view that Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act should be repealed in full.
"In May the Institute of Public Affairs called for the privatisation of the ABC.
"By appointing Mr Wilson the Senator Brandis has sent a strong signal about exactly the kind of rights and freedoms he wishes to pursue as Attorney-General," Mr Dreyfus said.
TUESDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2013
