EDO welcomes the opportunity to comment on the ACT Government Discussion Paper ‘Tribunal Pathways for Human Rights Complaints’.

The ability for the public to apply to independent and accessible forums to be heard on human rights complaints is an essential part of a functioning human rights framework.

EDO supports establishing a pathway for human rights complaints to be heard in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal as a step towards achieving environmental justice.  The pathway should align with international legal obligations including providing access to effective remedies. Our submission focuses on the Right to a Healthy Environment and the Cultural Rights of First Nations people.