THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS MEMBER FOR ISAACS

MEDIA RELEASE APPOINTMENT OF TIM WILSON AS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC has questioned the Abbott Governments appointment of Tim Wilson as a Human Rights Commissioner, as a first step towards their promised Freedom Commissioner. While I welcome any additional resources for the Human Rights Commission, Mr Wilsons position as Policy Director of the Institute of Public Affairs makes his appointment dubious to say the least, Mr Dreyfus said. Earlier this year the IPA made a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee calling for the abolition of the Human Rights Commission. How can Mr Wilson possibly undertake the role of a Human Rights Commissioner when its obvious he has such contempt for the Commission itself? In their pre-election wish list for the Abbott Government the IPA also made clear their view that Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act should be repealed in full. In August the Institute of Public Affairs called for the privatisation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

By appointing Mr Wilson, Senator Brandis has sent a strong signal about exactly the kind of blatant political agenda he wishes to pursue as Attorney-General, Mr Dreyfus said.

TUESDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2013 MEDIA CONTACT: ANNIE WILLIAMS 0428 040 522