The Federal Government says it is not dragging its heels on human rights.
The comments come in response to a "please explain" request from a
United Nations Committee assessing Australia's progress on racial
discrimination.
In Geneva earlier this month, Australia was questioned about the
abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission
(ATSIC), the Native Title Act and changes to the Human Rights Commission.
The UN Committee on Racial Discrimination has given the Australian
Government a year to explain parts of its Geneva response.
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs - the key agency
co-ordinating Australia's report - says Australia has not breached the
UN convention regarding racial discrimination.
In a written statement, the spokesman says ATSIC was not a effective
voice for Aboriginal people, as shown by its poor voter turnout.
He also says the Government remains committed to reconciliation. |
