Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and as chair of the human right subcommittee, I present the committee's report on the inquiry into Australia's efforts to advocate for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

by leave—There's no place in this world for the death penalty. Whilst many countries retain capital punishment, it exists in stark contradiction to our deeply held human rights beliefs and obligations—a position I'm pleased to say enjoys longstanding bipartisan support in this country. As such, this committee is firmly of the view that Australia has an important role to play in advocating for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty. This role is particularly vital within our own region.

This inquiry was referred to the committee by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, in June 2024. The committee received 13 submissions and held two public hearings in Canberra. During the course of the inquiry we clearly heard that Australia's strategies for advocating for the abolition of the death penalty need to be re-evaluated and revamped if they are to continue to have an impact in today's complex geopolitical environment.

The committee also heard that sustained, nuanced and targeted advocacy by Australia and other abolitionist countries is essential to ensuring steady progress towards abolition. As such, the committee considers it vital that the Australian government strengthens existing partnerships and builds new coalitions to push for change in our region. This report makes seven recommendations to this end. These recommendations range from the need for continued advocacy to a recognition of the need to support the critical work undertaken by civil society organisations in this space. This report also recommends a strategy of incremental change in which Australia presses for the abolition of the death penalty for less serious crimes and for the removal of the death penalty as a mandatory sentence for particular crimes. In addition to these changes, it is clear that Australia and other abolitionist countries must remain vigilant against any backsliding or complacency on the issue of the death penalty. Progress on this issue is of paramount importance but should not be taken for granted.

On behalf of the committee, I extend my thanks to the many stakeholders and submitters who contributed their time and experience to the inquiry. I also thank all committee members for their collegiate approach and the secretariat for their support throughout this inquiry. I commend this report to the House.

I move:

That the House take note of the report.

Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The debate is adjourned, and the resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next sitting.