Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges Australia has secured a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC);

(b) notes that some past and present UNHRC member states have poor human rights records themselves;

(c) further notes the inordinate amount of time the UNHRC has devoted to criticising Israel; and

(d) urges the Australian Government to use its term to focus the UNHRC on genuine abuses of human rights, failing which the government should reconsider its engagement with the United Nations altogether.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for 60 seconds.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia is a committed member of the United Nations. Australia's membership of the Human Rights Council will support the government's efforts to address some of the world's most-pressing human rights challenges. This is the first time Australia has sought election to the council, and the first time a country from the Pacific region will be represented. We will use our time on the council to push for meaningful reform to ensure the organisation is more effective. Our priorities will include empowering women and girls to reach their full potential, freedom of expression and promoting good governance and democratic institutions. The government will also continue to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, for freedom of religion and for the rights of persons with a disability.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that notice of motion No. 529, moved by Senator Bernardi, be agreed to.