Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

This new strategy provides a comprehensive and cohesive framework for the Australian government to be a global leader in ending the use of the death penalty worldwide. It's built on four pillars and principles. Firstly, that the death penalty is irrevocable, and no legal system is free of error: if the convicted is later found innocent, that is a miscarriage of justice that cannot be rectified. Secondly, it denies any possibility of rehabilitation of the convicted individual. Thirdly, the death penalty is no more effective a deterrent than long-term or life imprisonment. Lastly, it is unfairly used disproportionately against the most vulnerable members of many societies. To progress the implementation of the strategy, DFAT will establish a consultative group on the death penalty, which will include a number of Australian based civil society organisations who also campaign on this issue.