An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold its first public hearing this week, via teleconference.
Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, says the inquiry will continue despite the spread of COVID-19, using technology to enable witnesses and Sub-Committee Members to perform their roles while maintaining social distancing.
‘It’s important that the Australian Parliament continue its work in these difficult times,’ Mr Andrews said.
‘This teleconference hearing will enable the Human Rights Sub-committee to advance our inquiry. This is important work and we will be pressing on to deliver a comprehensive report later this year.’
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the Sub-committee to hear from human rights advocates and community groups.
‘These groups have overwhelmingly expressed their support for Australia to expand its targeted sanction laws and give the Australian government more options in dealing with human rights violators,’ Mr Andrews said.
In light of the current circumstances arising from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Sub-committee will be holding its public hearings via teleconference until further notice.
Due to the current circumstances the Sub-committee is continuing to take submissions. If you would like to make a submission please contact the Secretariat on 02 6277 2312 or jscfadt@aph.gov.au.
Public hearing details
Date: Tuesday 31 March 2020
Time: 9.00 am – 1.15 pm
Location: Via teleconference
The hearing will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live.
Media inquiries
The Hon Kevin Andrews MP
Contact: Cristy Elliott
03 9848 9900
02 6277 4023
cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au
For background information
Committee Secretariat
02 6277 2312
jscfadt@aph.gov.au
