Page 2690 - Week 12 - Thursday, 16 November 1989
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caucus room at the back. I will wait until the caucusing ends, Mr Jensen, and I will give you extra time.
MR JENSEN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I do not intend to continue on much longer but I wish to make a point in relation to minorities. In the past there have been instances when the indigenous population, the Aboriginal population, of Australia has not been afforded the necessary rights of this draft convention which will more than likely at some stage be agreed to and accepted by the Government of Australia and therefore apply to the States.
I note Mr Berry's point that, if the States do not provide the necessary protection for the children of this country, then it is up to the Commonwealth. That is their responsibility and that is their right; it is a State's right. There are a number of other aspects, including protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. I do not think anyone in this house would argue with the right of the child to be free from that sort of incredible, unfortunate and very bad practice.
Let me make one other comment before I close. I would like to note that Mr Duby, when commenting on the Australian Family Association, seemed to indicate that there was some hidden agenda with regard to their principles. This is a democratic country. They have the right to form their own opinions. If they do not agree with what you say they have a right to say so and that, Mr Speaker, is all that this organisation is doing. They see an issue; they do not necessarily agree with it, and they wish to have their say. Let the democratic process decide whose way will out. On that notice, Mr Speaker, I will conclude my remarks on this very important subject.
MR WOOD (5.25): I rise to indicate my support for the articles contained in the draft convention. I do not have any difficulty with them. I might say that I was unaware of them in any detail until Mr Stevenson raised this matter yesterday. As one of those people who have a general confidence in the United Nations, bearing in mind all its difficulties and some of the politics that go along with it, I would generally have confidence in the conventions of the UN. Since this matter was raised I have read the articles. I believe they are quite clear and understandable and I have no difficulty with them. I do not think they will have enormous impact in Australia. I do hope that they will have very considerable impact in other countries where there would be much greater need for them.
I read Mr Stevenson's motion. I do not agree with it but what I disagree with most is the philosophy contained in the speech that he made yesterday. I cannot relate the remarks he made to the text. I cannot follow the connections that Mr Stevenson has made to the text. It appears to me that someone has gone through and totally misunderstood the thrust of that text. That is the point
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