Joint media release with Attorney General Robert McClellend MP
22 May 2009
Australia Takes Action Against Torture
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced significant measures the Rudd Government is taking to prohibit the use of torture.
The Government believes torture is totally inconsistent with a humane and civilised society.
As such, the Rudd Government has:
- signed the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture on 19 May 2009at the UN Headquarters in New York; and
- announced it will enact a specific Commonwealth offence against torture.
Under the leadership of the Hawke Labor Government, Australia became a party to the Convention Against Torture in 1989.
The Optional Protocol represents a further prevention and enforcement mechanism by obliging parties to allow periodic international inspections of its places of detention, and to establish formal mechanisms to enable regular examination of the treatment of persons in places of detention.
Signing the Optional Protocol demonstrates the Rudd Government's commitment to re-engage with the United Nations and reaffirms Australia's longstanding commitment to the prevention of torture.
Currently in Australia, there is no single, comprehensive offence that criminalises torture.
For this reason, the Government will introduce legislation this year to enact a specific Commonwealth torture offence which will operate concurrently with existing offences in State and Territory criminal laws.
These measures reaffirm the Government's commitment to human rights and send a strong message both within Australiaand internationally that we will take all necessary steps to eliminate the use of torture.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555