MARK DREYFUS MP

The Meeting of Attorneys-General (MAG) convened on 12 August 2022 at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Office in Melbourne, Victoria. The meeting was chaired by the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Commonwealth Attorney‑General. All jurisdictions were represented. 

Revitalising cooperation between states and territories on matters of law and justice is one of my priorities as Commonwealth Attorney-General.

The Albanese Government is already acting to restore integrity in the judicial appointments process by returning to a more transparent, merit-based approach.

The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on our commitment to restore integrity to government with the passage through the House today of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022.

Human trafficking and all forms of modern slavery have no place in our society and my department works closely with the Australian Federal Police and other agencies to disrupt these crimes and support victims and survivors.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the appropriate laws are in place to ensure the proper administration of justice and protect national security information.

The Albanese Labor Government has today acted to restore the international reputation of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

I am pleased to announce that Mr Iain Anderson has been appointed as Commonwealth Ombudsman. Mr Anderson replaces Mr Michael Manthorpe, who retired from the role last year.

Today the Attorney-General, the Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP, discontinued the prosecution of Mr Bernard Collaery under section 71 of the Judiciary Act 1903.

Today I attended the Respect@Work Council Forum to recognise the important work of the Council and outline the Government’s commitment to implement in full the recommendations of the Respect@Work report.