News:
President
We would like to commend Australia for its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, as well as legislative amendments to allow same-sex marriages in Australia and recognise same-sex marriages overseas.
New Zealand recommends that Australia advance the necessary referendum pathway to reflect its commitment to recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.
New Zealand recommends that Australia continue its work to address the ongoing reports of entrenched inequalities and overrepresentation across all low socio-economic indicators that disproportionally affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, especially in the areas of health and well-being, education, and justice.
New Zealand recommends that Australia continue efforts to preserve the cultural and linguistic identity of Indigenous peoples. Finally, we recommend that Australia improve statutory protections at all levels of government for Traditional Owners seeking to protect their cultural sites.
Thank you President.