SPEECH BY THE PRIME M1INISTER, MR. E. G. WHITLAM, Q. C., o
FOR THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, AIN. US,
CANBERRA, 10 DECEMBER, 1973*
TODAY IS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE UNITED NATIONS1
THAT DECLARATION HAS COME TO BE RECOGNISED AS ONE OF
THE GREAT ENLIGHTENED EVENTS IN MODERN HISTORY. ITS ANNIVERSARY
MARKS THE BEGINNING OF AN EQUALLY HOPEFUL AND ENLIGHTENED
MOVEMENT, FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS ALSO DECIDED TO LAUNCH
ON THIS DAY A DECADE FOR ACTION TO COMBAT RACISM AND RACIAL
DISCRItINATION. IT IS IN THE CONTEXT OF THESE TWO GREAT
ACHIEVEMENTS THE CELEBRATION OF ONE HISTORIC ERA AND THE
INAUGUR~ ATION OF ANOTHER THAT I WISH TO SPEAK TO YOU OF
AUSTRALIA ' S PART IN FURTHERING THE CAUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR
THE WORLD'IS PEOPLE.
IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR ME, IN DOING SO, TO POINT TO
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE POLITICAL PARTIES ON THIS ISSUE. I HOPE
YOU WILL UNDERSTAND MY PURPOSE IN DOING SO~ I HAVE NO WISH
TO BE OVERTLY PARTISAN, BUT I CANNOT EXPLAIN THE POLICIES OF
THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT WITHOUT DRAWING ATTENTION TO THOSE OF
OUR PREDECESSORS. IT WILL BE SEEN, IN MANY CASES, I BELIEVE,
THAT THE RECORD OF OUR PREDECESSORS WAS ONE OF NEGLIGENCE AND
INACTION, AND IN THIS CRUCIAL AREA OF FOREIGN POLICY, NEGLIGENCE
AND INACTION CANNOT BE TOLERATED. THE STRUGGLE FOR UNIVERSAL
HUMAN RIGHTS IS A PROTRACTED AND PERHAPS AN UNENDING STRUGGLE.
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THERE IS RARELY A TIME IN WORLD AFFAIRS WHEN SOME NEW THREAT
TO HUMAN RIGHTS SOME NEW OPPRESSION, SOME NEW FORM OF DEPOTISM
IS NOT ABROAD, GOVERNMENTS HAVE A CONTINUING OBLIGATION TO DO
ALL IN THEIR POWER TO PROMOTE RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, No
COUNTRY HAS A GREATER OBLIGATION IN THIS REGARD THAN AUSTRALIA,
A MEDIUM POWER ENJOYING CLOSE AND CORDIAL RELATIONS WITH MANY
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WITH DIFFERENT POLITICAL'SYSTEMS1
IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL OBJFCTIVE OF THE LABOR GOVERNMENT TO
ENSURE THAT AUSTRALIA'S POLICIES ARE SOUNDLY BASED ON RESPECT
FOR, AND ON THE PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF, CIVIL LIBERTIES
AND BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, , WE BELIEVE THAT POLICIES AND ATTITUDES
TO HUMAN RIGHTS CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM ACTION AGAINST THE EVILS
OF DISCRIMINATION IN ANY FORM, INCLUDING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON
RACE, OUR POLICIES AND ACTIONS OVER THE PAST-YEAR HAVE BEEN
DELIBERATELY DESIGNED TO GET AWAY FROM THE TENTATIVE AND DILATORY
ATTITUDES OF THE PAST, THE RECORD OF OUR PREDECESSORS WAS MARKED
BY A LACK OF ANY SENSE OF INITIATIVE IN THE PROMOTION AND
PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN OUR OWN COMMUNITY AND IN THE WORLD
AT LARGE, THEY WERE HALF-HEARTED IN RESPONDING TO THE WORK OF
THE UNITED NATIONS, AND THEIR LACK OF ENTHUSIASM WAS USUALLY
MATCHED IN THE RESPONSE OF THE STATES.
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LET ME GIVE A TYPICAL EXAMPLE. AS A RESULT OF AN
OBLIGATION ARISING FROM THE 1946 AMENDMENTS TO THE
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION CONSTITUTION, THE LABOR
GOVERNMENT IN 1947 INSTITUTED AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE. OF THE
AUSTRALIAN AND STATE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOUR TO CARRY OUT AN
ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WHOLE RANGE OF LABOUR MATTERS AROUND APRIL
OF EACH YEAR. THIS MACHINERY WAS IN EXISTENCE THROUGHOUT THETERM
OF OFFICE OF OUR PREDECESSORS BUT IT WAS ONLY WHEN THE
PRESENT GOVERNMENT CAME TO POWER THAT THE MINISTER FOR LABOUR,
MR. CLYDE CAMERON, TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO USE THIS MACHINERY
TO GIVE ACTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE RATIFICATION AND APPLICATION
OF I. L. O. CONVENTIONS. " MR. CAMERON HAS MOVED QUICKLY TO' ESTABLISH
CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY WITH THE STATES AT MINISTERIAL, PERMANENT
HEAD, AND TECHNICAL OFFICER LEVEL TO DETERMINE AN ORDER* OF
ORIORITY FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF CONVENTIONS AND TO ENSURE THAT
ACTION 15 TAKEN ON THESE CONVENTIONS REGARDED AS REQUIRING
URGENT OUR PREDECESSORS MADE THE FEDERAL SYSTEM A FARCE BY
USING IT AS AN EXCUSE TO JUSTIFY ITS OWN INACTION. THEY DID
LITTLE OR NOTHING TO STIMULATE ACTION ON THE PART OF THE STATES.
FOR EXAMPLE, THEY AVOIDED THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF
I. L. O. CONVENTION No. 100 EQUAL REMUNERATION, 19511 BY HIDING
BEHIND THE CHANGES OF MINDS ON THE PART OF TWO OF THE STATES
TOWARDS RATIFICATION AND THE UNWILLINGNESS OF THE OTHER
TO AGREE TO RATIFICATION. IT IS TRUE THAT BECAUSE OF THE
FEDERAL SYSTEM AUSTRALIA IS AT A DISADVANTAGE IN BEING FACED
WITH UNNECESSARILY COMPLICATED PROCEDURES FOR GIVING EFFECT
TO INTERNATIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS. THESE DEFICIENC* IES IN OUR
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SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BESMIRCH AND AFFRONT AUSTRALIA'S
IMAGE. OUR GOVERNMENT HAS ACCORDINGLY FOUND IT NECESSARY TO
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE B( TERNAL AFFAIRS POWER IN THE CONSTITUTION
TO GIVE EFFECT 70TO OUR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.
To MY MIND, THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION IS ONE OF THE
MOST SIGNIFICANT AND ENLIGHTENED ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED
NATIONS. THE CELEBRATION OF THIS ANNIVERSARY AFFORDS AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RE-DEDICATE ITSELF TO THE
PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA; THE ASSOCIATION
OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY WITH THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION
DATES FROM THE DRAFTING OF THE DOCUMENT IN WHICH DR. EVATT,
AS MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND ATTORNEY-GENERAL TOOK A
CLOSE PERSONAL INTEREST. HE WAS PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WHEN THE DECLARATION WAS ADOPTED. HE SAID ON THAT OCCASION
THAT THE DOCUMENT " WAS BACKED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE BODY OF
OPINION OF THE UNITED NATIONS AS A WHOLE AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE,
MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN ALL OVER THE WORLD WOULD TURN TO IT FOR
HELP, GUIDANCE AND INSPIRATION." THROUGHOUT MY PARLIAMENTARY
CAREER I HAVE TAKEN A KEEN PERSONAL INTEREST IN ALL ASPECTS
OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND IN PARTICULAR IN THE PROGRESS MADE BY
AUSTRALIA TOWARDS RATIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
AGREEMENTS.
ONE OF MY EARLIEST ACTIONS AS PRIME MINISTER WAS TO INITIATE
AN EXAMINATION OF ALL THE INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS'CONCERNED
WITH HUMAN RIGHTS TO DETERMINE THE ACTION WE SHOULD BE TAKING
TO GIVE EFFECT rO THEM. WE SIGNED THE TWO'UNITED NATIONS HUMAN
RIGHTS COVENANTS ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND ON ECONOMIC,
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS ON 18 DECEMBER 19721* THE COVENANTS
COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER AND WERE ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
IN 1966. IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCEED TO
SIMULTANEOUS RATIFICATION OF THEM AS SOON AS ENABLING LEGISLATION
HAS BEEN PASSED BY PARLIAMENT.
THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION IS A FOCUS OF ATTENTION FOR
THE ASPIRATIONS OF ALL NATIONS AND PEOPLES CONCERNED WITH BASIC
RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. THOUGH THE DECLARATION HAS INFLUENCED THE
LEGAL STANDARDS OF OTHER COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD IN SUCH
DOCUMENTS AS THE CANADIAN BILL OF RIGHTS., 1960, AND THE BASIC
LAW OF THE GERMAN FEDERAL REPUBLIC, 1949, EXISTING LAWS IN
AUSTRALIA HAVE NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECTED THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
OF THE INDIVIDUAL AS SET OUT IN THE DECLARATION. THjE GOVERNMENT
IS ACTING TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION. ON 21 NOVEMBER T: hE ATTORNEY--
GEN4ERAL, SENATOR LIONEL MURPHY, INTRODUCED INTO THE PARLIAMENT,
THE HUMAN RIGHTS BILL 1973 AND THE RACIAL DiSCRIMINATIPH BILL-1973,
BOTH BILLS ARE DESIGNED TO EXTEND AND SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS ANiD
FREEDOMS OF EVERY AUSTRALIAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS.
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THE HUMAN RIGHTS BILL WILL GUARANTEE THAT EVERYONE
IS ENTITLED TO THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW AND TO CERTAIN
BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, INCLUDING THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT,
CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION; FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION; FREEDOM OF
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION; FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT; THE
RIGHT TO VOTE AND TO EXERCISE PUBLIC FUNCTIONS ON-A BASIS OF
EQUALITY; THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY; FREEDOM FROM ARBITRARY ARREST
AND DETENTION; THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL; AND FREEDOM FROM
CRUEL OR DEGRADING TREATEMENT OR PUNISHMENT. To SAFEGUARD THE
PROTECTION OF THESE RIGHTS, THE BILL ESTABLISHES THE OFFICE OF
A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER. HIS TASK WILL BE TO EXAMINE ANY
BREACHES OF INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY IN THIS COUNTRY AND WHERE NECESSARY
TO BRING LEGAL ACTION TO ENSURE THAT THE LAW WITH REGARD TO
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IS ENFORCED.
MANY AUSTRALIANS TAKE THE EXISTENCE OF THESE RIGHTS FOR
GRANTED. THEY HAVE NOT APPRECIATED THE NEED FOR ACTION TO
ENSURE THAT THE RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED AND GUARANTEED WITH THE
FULL FORCE OF LAW. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS BILL IS
THAT IT WILL MAKE THESE BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS LEGALLY
ENFORCEABLE IN AUSTRALIA. THE. INDIVIDUAL WILL BE ABLE, THROUGH
THE COURTS, TO INSIST UPON HIS RIGHTS.
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THE HUMAN RIGHTS BILL ALSO SEEKS APPROVAL FOR RATIFICATION
OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE POLITICAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN
( 1952). AUSTRALIA HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY BECOME A PARTY TO THIS
CONVENTION BECAUSE THERE ARE STATUTORY LIMITATIONS AND
DISCRIMINATORY ASPECTS OF VARIOUS STATE LAWS IN AUSTRALIA WHICH
DO NOT COMPLY WITH ITS PROVISIONS1 THE ABILITY OF THE
GOVERNMENT TO RATIFY THIS CONVENTION WILL BE A MAJOR STEP
FORWARD IN PROMOTING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY
ON EQUAL TERMS WITH MEN WIT7HOUT ANY-DISCRIMINATION8
THE FIRST ARTICLE OF -1-1L UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN
RIGHTS PROCLAIMS THAT " ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE BORN FREE AND EQUAL
IN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS", ARTICLE 2 STATES THAT " EVERYONE IS
ENTITLED TO THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS SET OUT IN THE DECLARATION
WITHOUT DISTINCTION OF ANY KINDo INCLUDING DISCRIMINATION ON THE
GROUNDS OF RACE, COLOUR OR NATIONAL ORIGIN" THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ELABORATED ON THESE ARTICLES WHEN, IN 1965, j IT ADOPTED AN
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION. THE CONVENTION RECOGNISES THAT ANY
DOCTRINE OF SUPERIORITY BASED ON RACIAL DIFFERENCE IS FUNDAMENTALLY
FALSE, MORALLY INDEFENSIBLE AND WITHOUT ANY SOCIAL JUSTIFICATION.
SEVENTY-FIVE COUNTRIES HAVE SO FAR BECOME PARTIES TO THE
CONVENTION ON WHICH OUR RACIAL DISCRIMINATION BILL IS BASED.
As PROVIDED UNDER CLAUSE 6, AUSTRALIA WILL RAT'IFY THE
CONVENTION AS SOON AS THE BILL IS APPROVED.
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THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL AND THE RATIFICATION OF THE
CONVENTION WILL BE AMONG THE MOST IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION,
WHICH AUSTRALIA CAN MAKE TO THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO
ELIMINATE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN THE DECADE BEING INAUGURATED
TODAY. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALREADY WELL PLACED TO PARTICIPATE
POSITIVELY IN THE INTERNATIONAL DECADE BY THE STAND WE HAVE
TAKEN IN THE UNITED NATIONS IN FORCEFULLY CONDEMNING ALL FORMS
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND BY OUR VOTES CONDEMNING THE POLICIES
AND PRACTICES OF APARTHEID AND COLONIALISM.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS BILL AND THE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION BILL
ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST AND RELEVANCE TO ALL SECTIONS OF OUR
COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY OUR ABORIGINAL AND MIGRANT COMMUNITIES
WHO HAVE SUFFERED VARIOUS FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION. THE BILLS
ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT
THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA AND THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE
MIGRATED TO THIS COUNTRY ARE TRULY EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW AND ARE
ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN AUSTRALIAN LIFE ON EQUAL TERMS WITH THE
REST OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY. THE BILLS COMPLEMENT THE
POLICIES WHICH WE ARE ENDEAVOURING TO PURSUE IN ESTABLISHING
ABORIGINAL LAND RIGHTS AND IMPROVING THE GENERAL WELL-BEING OF
THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY.
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A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN HUMAN RIGHTS WAS THE DECLARATION
BY THE GOVERNMENT THIS YEAR OF A NATIONAL POLICY To ELIMINATE
DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION. MR. CAMERON
ANNOUNCED THIS POLICY IN A STATEMENT IN THE PARLIAMENT IN MAY
CONCERNING THE ACTION BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RATIFY
THE TUL. O. CONVENTION No. 111 ON DISCRIMINATION ( EMPLOYMENT
AND OCCUPATION) 1958, AUSTRALIA RATIFIED'THIS CONVENTION ON
JUNE. THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY TO ELIMINATE DISCRIMINATION IN
EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION HAS THE SUPPORT OF ALL STATE GOVERNMENTS,
MAJOR EMPLOYER ORGANISATIONS AND T HE TRADE UNIONS. THE GOVERNMENT
HAS ESTABLISHED COMMITTEES ON DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND
OCCUPATION AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL AND IN ALL STATES. STEPS HAVE
ALREADY BEEN TAKEN TO LAUNCH A NATION-WIDE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
AIMED AT INFLUENCING COMMUNITY ATTITUDES IN ORDER TO REMOVE
DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES IN EMPLOYMENT.
A MAJOR ROLE OF THE COMMITTEES IS TO INVESTIGATE
COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION AND TO DEAL WITH THEM EFFECTIVELy.
THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON DISCRIMINATION IN EmPLOYMENT AND
OCCUPATION HAS THE SPECIAL FUNCTION OF ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL
EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAI6 N TO PROMOTE REAL EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNI r
IN EMPLOYMENT.
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA OWE A
CONSIDERABLE DEBT TO THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
FOR ITS WORK IN DEVELOPING POSITIVE POLICIES WHICH PAY FULL
RESPECT TO HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELDS OF EMPLOYMENT AND
OCCUPATION. IN ADDITION TO THE CONVENTION ON DISCRIMINATION
( EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION) AUSTRALIA HAS ALSO RATIFIED TWO
OTHER IMPORTANT HUMAN RIGHTS CONVENT. IONS OF THE I... DURING
THE YEAR: CONVENTION NO. 87 FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND
PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT To0 ORGANISE, 1948;
CONVENTION No 98 RIGHT XPORGANISE AND
COLLECTIVE WAGAINING, 14
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW CLOSE TO FULFILLING ITS* OBJECTIVE
OF RATIFYING ALL THE 11L. O. CONVENTIONS IN THE FIELD OF HOiMAN
RIGHTS. THERE REMAIN OUTSTANDING CONVENTION No. 100 EQUAL
REMUNERAT ION, 1951, AND CONVENTION No. 107 PROTECTION AND
INTEGRATION OF INDIGENOUS AND TRIBAL POPULATIONS, 1957. THE
GOVERNMENT IS GiVING PRIORITY ATTENTION TO THE RATIFICATION OF
THESE TWO CONVENTIONS.
THE FURTHER ACTION WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO TAKE
IN REGARD TO THE RATIFICATION OF I. L. O, CONVENTION No. 100
WILL DEPEND UPON THE CONSIDERATION OF THE NATIONAL WAGE CASE
WHICH WILL SOON COME BEFORE THE AUSTRALIAN CONCILIATION AND
ARBITRATION COMMISSION, CONVENTION No. 107 IS CLOSELY CONNECTED
WITH THE QUESTION OF ABORIGINAL LAND RIGHTS WHICH IS CURRENTLY
THE SUBJECT OF STUDY BY THE COMMISSION HEADED BY MR. JUSTICE
A. E. WOODWARD. THE WOODWARD COMMISSION HAS COMMENTED IN ITS
PRELIMINARY REPORT THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT NO ACTION BE TAKEN
TO PREJUDICE EVENTUAL AUSTRALIAN RATIFICATION OF CONVENTION No,
107 WHICH EMPHASISES THE RECOGNITION OF THE RIGHT TO OWNERSHIP BY
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE LANDS THEY TRADITIONALLY OCCUPY.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO AIMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO
MAKE FURTHER ADVANCES IN BRINGING WORK STA NDARDS. IN AUSTRALIA
UP TO THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL, INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL LEVELS,
THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR IS CONSULTING WITH THREE STATE GOVERNMENTS
ABOUT THE REMOVAL OF HINDRANCES To AUSTRALIAN RATIFICATION OF
CONVENTION No. 81, LABOUR INSPECTION,$ 1946. CON* SULTATIONS ARE
ALSO CONTINUING BETWEEN-OFFICERS OF AUSTRALIAN AND STATE,
DEPARTMENTS TO DETERMINE WHAT STEPS MIGHT BE NEEDED TO -INTRODUCE
LEGISLATION IN AUSTRALIA TO COMPLY WITH CONVENTION No. 135,
PROTECTION AND FACILITIES AFFORDED TO WORKERS REPRESENTATIVES, 1971,
WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON 30 JUNE THIS YEAR, AND ON CONVENTION No.
119 GUARDING OF MACHINERY, 1963,
I AM ALSO PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE TODAY THAT THE
GOVERNMENT HAS NOW COMPLETED ALL THE NECESSARY PROCEDURES TO ENABLE
US TO RATIFY IMMEDIATELY THE CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUS
OF STATELESS PERSONS 1954, THE CONVENTION ON THE REDUCTION OF
STATELESSNESS 1961, THE PROTOCOL RELATING TO THE STATUS OF
REFUGEES 1966, AND THE PROTOCOL RELATING To REFUGEE SEAMEN 1973.
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AUSTRALIA ACCEDED TO THE CONVENTION ON THE STATUS
OF REFUGEES IN 1954. ON 18 APRIL THIS YEAR THE GOVERNMENT
RATIFIED THE 1957 HAGUE AGREEMENT RELATING To REFUGEE SEAMEN,
WHICH HAD COME INTO FORCE IN 1961. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO TAKING
ACTION IN REGARD TO THE PROTOCOL RELATING TO THE 1960 UNESCO
CONVENTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION WHICH AUSTRALIA
RATIFIED ON 29 NOVEMBER 1966. THE GOVERNMENT HAS INSTITUTED
ACTION TO DETERMINE WHETHER AUSTRALIA S HOULD ACCEDE TO THE 1962
PROTOCOL TO THIS CONVENTION, THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF WHICH IS TO
ESTABLISH MACHINERY TO DEAL WITH VIOLATIONS OF THE CONVENTION,
THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION AND THE RATIFICATION OF
UNITED NATIONS AND I. L. O. AND UNESCO CONVENTIONS HAS BEEN
ACCOMPANIED BY VIGOROUS GOVERNMENT ACTION IN OTHER FIELDS
AFFECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF EVERYONE WHO LIVES IN AUSTRALIA,
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN PROMOTING EQUAL
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND IN IMPROVING THEIR
CONDITIONS OF WORK. IN THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE THE GOVERNMENT
HAS SET STANDARDS FOR OTHER EMPLOYERS TO FOLLOW, FOR EXAMPLE,
THE PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDES EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN AND HAS RECENTLY
EXTENDED THE PROVISIONS FOR MATERNITY LEAVE TO 12 WEEKS PAID
LEAVE. TO ENABLE WOMEN TO PURSUE THEIR CAREERS IN A CONTINUOUS
FASHION AND MAKE A GREATER CONTRIBUTION TO THE LABOUR FORCE,
THE PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD IS CURRENTLY EXAMINING ASPECTS OF PARTTIME
EMPLOYMENT IN THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE.
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ACTION TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE AREA OF WOMEN'S
EMPLOYMENT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTION IN DECEMBER 1972 IN
PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE AUSTRALIAN CONCILIATION
AND ARBITRATION COMMISSION'TO HAVE ESTABLISHED
THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL PAY FOR WORK OF EQUAL VALUE,
CONSULTATIONS WITH STATE GOVERNMENTS HAVE LED TO MOST
STATES AGREEING TO THIS PRINCIPLE.
THE PROVISION OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
WISHING TO ENTER OR RE-ENTER THE LABOUR FORCE AFTER
A PERIOD OF DOMESTIC RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS'PROVIDED
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING SCHEME FOR WOMEN
ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR.
THE RANGE OF BENEFITS PROVIDED UNDER THIS SCHEME
IS CURRENTLY BEING EXAMINED WITH A VIEW TO
FACILITATING FURTHER THE ENTRY OF WOMEN TO THE
LABOUR FORCE AND IMPROVING THFIR EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES1 PROVISION FOR ALLEGATIONS OF DISCRIMINATION IN
EMPLOYMENT ON THE GROUNDS OF SEX. TO BE INVESTIGATED
THROUGH THE SETTING UP OF COMMITTEES ON DISCRIMINATION
IN EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION,
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THROUGH ITS IMMIGRATION PROGRAM, THE GOVERNMENT HAS
ACTED TO REMOVE ANY SUGGESTION OF DISCRIMINATION ON GROUNDS
OF RACE, COLOUR OR NATIONALITY.
UNDER THE REVISED POLICY, ALL PEOPLE WHO CAN MEET
SELECTION CRITERIA ARE ELIGIBLE EQUALLY FOR SETTLEMENT IN AUSTRALIA.
THE MAIN EMPHASIS OF THE PROGRAM IS NOW ON FAMILY ' REUNION AND
THE NATIONAL NEED. AUSTRALIA'S CITIZENSHIP LEGISLATION HAS
BEEN AMENDED SO THAT IT NOW APPLIES WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION TO
PEOPLE FROM ALL COUNTRIES. VISITOR VISA REQUIREMENT S ALSO HAVE
BEEN STREAMLINED TO PROMOTE INTERCHANGE AND GOODWILL BETWEEN
AUSTRALIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES. 1A NATIONAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS
COMMITTEE AND TASK FORCES IN THE STATES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED
TO ENQUIRE INTO ALL ASPECTS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MIGRANTS.
IN THE LIGHT OF THESE AND OTHER ENQUIRIES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL
CONTINUE TO TAKE WHATEVER ACTION IS NECESSARY TO END
DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES.
IN THE SHORT SPACE OF TWELVE MONTHS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS
TRANSFORMED AUSTRALIA'S INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION SO THAT OUR,
COUNTRY HAS ONCE AGAIN ASSUMED ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE IN THE VANGUARD
OF COUNTRIES PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND IN INSISTING ON THE HIGHEST
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN. EMPLOYMENT AND IN INDUSTRY. My
COLLEAGUES IN THE MINISTRY HAVE CO-OPERATED WITH ENTHUSIASM AND
IMAGINATION TO HELP ME MAKE 1973 THE MOST PRODUCTIVE YEAR OF
ACHIEVEMENT WHICH AUSTRALIA HAS EVER HAD IN THESE VITAL FIELDS.
WE HAVE DEMONSTRATED OUR SINCERITY IN FULFILLING OUR COMMITMENTS
TO BRING ABOUT GREAT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BASIC RIGHTS OF
AUSTRALIANS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO FACED SQUARELY THE FUNDAMENTAL
ISSUE OF MATCHING THE POLICIES AND ACTIONS WE ADOPT AT HOME
WITH FHOSE WE PURSUE ABROAD$
WE HAVE SHOWN BY THE STAND WE HAVE TAKEN, PARTICULARLY
IN THE UNITED NATIONS, THAT AUSTRALIA'S POLICIES ARE FIRMLY
BASED ON HUMANITARIAN PRINCIPLES OF RACIAL EQUALITY, MUTUAL
RESPECT AND THE ELIMINATION OF THE EVILS OF POVERTY,. ILLITERACY,
DISCRIMINATION AND COLONIALISM.
AL'STRALIA PAYS TRIBUTE TODAY TO THE CONTINUING CONTRIBUTION
OF THE LNII. ED NATIONS IN PROMOTING UNIVERSAL RESPECT FOR, AND
OBSERVANCE OF, FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND HUMAN RIGHTS,
ON 20 APRIL 1972 IN A DEBATE IN THE HOUSE ON RACIAL
PREJUDICE AND VIOLENCE I SAID THAT IN 1968, HUMAN RIGHTS YEAR,
AND IN 1971, THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR ACTION TO COMBAT
I\ ACISM AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, THE UNITED NATIONS QUOTED THE
CONVENTIONS WHICH AUSTRALIA HAD NOT IMPLEMENTED. ON THAT
OCCASION I OBSERVED THAT WE HAD NOT IMPROVED OUR RECORD. BY
OUR ACTIONS THIS YEAR THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENSURED THAT AUSTRALIA'S
NATIONAL IMAGE WILL NEVER AGAIN BE AFFRONTED BY A POOR RECORD
OF ACHIEVEMENT IN GIVING EFFECT TO INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
TREATIES,
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I HOPE I MAY BE. FORGIVEN FOR CONCLUDING ON A PERSONAL
NOTE BY RECALLING THAT MY FATHER', H. FE, WHITLAM, CONTRIBUTED
TO THE WORK OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN'THE HUMAN RIGHTS FIELD
AS AUSTRALIA'S REPRESENTATIVE AT THE 6TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMISSION IN 1950 AND AT THE 10TH SESSION IN 1954,
HE ALSO ACTED AS A CONSULTANT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEYGENERAL
FOR SEVERAL YEARS ON HUMAN RIGHTS MATTERS, WHEN HE
DELIVERED THE FIRST SIR ROBERT GARRAN ORATION IN 1959, HE
REFERRED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF
AUSTRALIA " TO SHARE IN THE TASK OF SECURING HIGHER STANDARDS
AND BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS, NOT ALONE FOR HER PEOPLE, BUT FOR
PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD" HE SAID:
" THE FOUNDATION FOR THAT OBLIGATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
WAS LAID WHEN, IN THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS,. AUSTRALIA,
IN COMPANY WITH OTHER NATIONS, REAFFIRMED HER FAITH IN THE
DIGNITY AND WORTH OF THE HUMAN PERSON AND EXPRESSED HER
DETERMINATION TO PROMOTE SOCIAL PROGPESS AND BETTER
STANDARDS OF LIFE IN LARGER FREEDOM, AND LATER, WHEN SHE
SUBSCRIBED TO THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS,
ARTICLE 1 OF WHICH SETS FORTH THAT ALL-HUMAN BEINGS ARE
FREE AND EQUALIN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED
WITH REASON AND CONSCIENCE AND SHOULD ACT TOWARDS ONE
ANOTHER IN A SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD, I"