MARK DREYFUS MP

Tackling racism and prejudice—including anti-Semitism—is everyone's responsibility, and, as Attorney-General in the new Albanese government, I will be looking for ways in which the Commonwealth can do more to combat antisemitism.

The Albanese Government is committed to restoring the family law system so that it is accessible, safe, properly resourced, simpler to use, and delivers justice and fairness for all Australian families.

The Albanese Government is wasting no time delivering commitments to make women’s lives safer and more equitable.

The Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022 will ensure appointments to the Australian Human Rights Commission are made through a merit-based and transparent process.

The Albanese Government believes all people are entitled to respect, equality, dignity and the opportunity to participate in the social, cultural and economic life of our nation.

But principled statements about the importance of human rights are not enough – the onus is now on us, the new Albanese Labor Government, to make the necessary changes to enshrine these values in the laws of our nation.

The Respect@Work Report, and a range of more recent reports and inquiries, continue to highlight the unacceptable levels of workplace sexual harassment in Australia.

Moses Henry Cass, who was ‘Moss’ to almost everyone who knew him, and now to history as well, was a man of conviction, of courage, and of vision.  

As the First Law Officer of the Commonwealth, the Attorney-General should fulfill a vital role in defending and uphold the rule of law.  I do not believe that any of the Liberal Attorneys-General over the last nine years have fulfilled that vital function.  To the contrary, a number of their actions have harmed the rule of law.  

The ever-growing list of scandals involving the Morrison Government shows why Australia urgently needs a powerful and independent national anti-corruption commission.  

To be abused in any way at that time of life—whether it be physical or psychological or sexual or financial abuse, or even just plain neglect—is a shocking violation of what is owed to a generation of Australians who have lived and worked and contributed, and who continue to play a role in the life of the nation and the lives of those who love and care for them.