Disability Commissioner Bill pulled from ballot

Green Party disability spokesperson Catherine Delahunty’s Human Rights (Disability Commissioner) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Members Ballot today.

The Bill would create the position of a full-time Disability Commissioner within the Human Rights Commission.

“The establishment of a Disability Commissioner would help to progress the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the New Zealand Disability Strategy,” Ms Delahunty said.

“There needs to be a strong voice in the Human Rights Commission to highlight the structural changes needed to ensure people with disabilities receive their human rights and make sure we live up to our international obligations,” Ms Delahunty said.

“The Green Party sees this is a step towards the appointment of a full Commission on Disability Rights, a goal which many voices from the disability sector have been calling for.

Ms Delahunty believes the Bill may attract cross party support due to its apolitical nature.

Sue Kedgley’s Animal Welfare (Treatment of Animals) Amendment Bill was also pulled from the ballot.

LINKS
Human Rights (Disability Commissioner) Amendment Bill
http://www.greens.org.nz/bills/human-rights-disability-commissioner-amendment-bill

Animal Welfare (Treatment of Animals) Amendment Bill
http://www.greens.org.nz/bills/animal-welfare-treatment-animals-amendment-bill

ENDS

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