Human Rights Legislation Progresses

A bill reorganising the Human Rights Commission has made progress.

Following Question Time the interrupted second reading debate on the Human Rights Amendment Billwas completed.

The bill reorganises the office of the Human Rights Commissioner by allowing for more flexible appointments to cover specialist roles outside a number of specified positions such as the Human Rights Commissioner.

The aim of the Bill is to amend the Human Rights Act to enable the establishment of the position of a full-time Disability Rights Commissioner within the Commission and to make changes to the role and structure of the Commission.

Labour said the bill was making significant changes to the way the Commission operated. Labour supported the establishment of a disability commissioner, but the bill would dilute the roles of other commissioners and was therefore opposed.

The second reading was completed by 73 to 48 with National, NZ First, ACT and United Future in favour.

MPs returned to the third reading debate on the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill.

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