Modernising Australia’s human tissue laws

The Attorney-General has announced that he will soon refer the ALRC an inquiry into Australia’s human tissue laws.

It has been almost 50 years since the ALRC completed its 1977 report, Human Tissue Transplants. Significant social, technological, and scientific change in that time means the law has not kept pace, while legislative amendments have produced inconsistencies between state and territory laws. The ALRC’s inquiry will look at how to modernise and harmonise these laws.

The Attorney-General is undertaking a merit-based selection process to identify a suitable Commissioner to lead the inquiry and we look forward to receiving and sharing the Terms of Reference for the inquiry later this year.

ALRC welcomes Tony McAvoy SC

The ALRC is delighted to be joined by Tony McAvoy SC as a Commissioner to lead the ALRC’s Review of the Future Acts Regime.

Tony is a Wirdi man from Central Queensland and is widely recognised as Australia’s most senior First Nations barrister, with over three decades of experience in native title, property, and environmental law.

Through this Inquiry, the ALRC will review the operation of the future acts regime under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). We will look at how the future acts regime works now, and how it can be improved to make it work effectively, equally, and fairly.

A one-page Information Sheet and the full Terms of Reference are available on the ALRC website.

Thank you for your submissions

The ALRC sincerely thanks everyone who made a submission in response to the Issues Paper. The experiences and insights shared with us through submissions will help to shape our recommendations for reform.

The ALRC received over 200 submissions and we have begun publishing non-confidential submissions. In recognition of the sensitivities of some submissions and the ALRC’s commitment to a trauma-informed Inquiry process, the ALRC is still processing some submissions for publication. Rather than delay the publication of all submissions, the ALRC will publish submissions in stages.

Please be aware that some of these submissions contain discussion of sexual violence. If you, or someone you know, need help, support services are available (and some are listed immediately below).

Support is available

The ALRC recognises the inherent sensitivities involved in undertaking an inquiry relating to sexual violence. In conducting this Inquiry, the ALRC is employing a trauma-informed and holistic approach to support stakeholders, particularly victim-survivors of sexual violence, and to minimise re-traumatisation.

If you, or someone you know, need help, the following services are available:

• 1800RESPECT call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, https://www.1800respect.org.au/
• Full Stop Australia 1800 385 578 http://www.fullstop.org.au/
• Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• 13YARN 13 92 76 https://www.13yarn.org.au/about-us
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 https://www.kidshelpline.com.au
• Compass (support service for elder abuse) 1800 353 374 https://www.compass.info/
• Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline 1800 497 212 https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport

Further information about support services is available on the ALRC website.

2024 Higinbotham Lecture with ALRC President, Justice Mordy Bromberg

RMIT, 24 October 2024, 5:30 pm
On Thursday 24 October 2024, Justice Bromberg will deliver RMIT’s annual Higinbotham Lecture. The lecture celebrates the legacy of Victorian politician and Chief Justice, George Higinbotham, exploring topical legal issues and the interaction between law and society.

In light of the ALRC’s recent inquiry into Religious Education Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws, Justice Bromberg will explore how to approach the delicate task of managing conflicting human rights.

This public lecture is free to attend and registration will remain open via the RMIT website until 21 October 2024.