Statement on Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006

Contrary to a media report today the Government has not reached a view on the future of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibility Act.

The Charter Act is currently the subject of an inquiry by the Parliamentary Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC). This inquiry is
scheduled to report by 1 October.

In announcing the inquiry on 19 April, I made clear that the Government will decide on any changes to be proposed in relation to the Charter Act after taking into account the findings and recommendations of the SARC inquiry. This remains the Government’s position.

The Government’s submission to the SARC inquiry provides factual information about the operation of the Charter Act since the Act’s inception.