Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Milne for her second supplementary question. We have a routine examination process of the Human Rights Commission which complements human rights protections introduced by this government such as requiring all legislation to have statements of human rights compatibility and the creation of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights—more done, again, by this government than ever done before. The commission does not have a formal role as part of the parliamentary legislative scrutiny process, although it may choose to make submissions to these inquiries.

Senator Milne interjecting—

Again, Senator Milne—through you, Mr President—your attack could be directed at those opposite, because I note the commission was unfairly criticised by Senator Brandis recently for supposedly failing to protect fundamental rights such as freedom of speech. Of course, the commission does a lot to protect human rights as well as deal with discrimination complaints. The commission announced— (Time expired)