Which Australian Act established a parliamentary joint committee to scrutinize new Commonwealth legislation for compatibility with human rights?

• A. Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011
• B. Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• C. International Criminal Court Act 2002
• D. Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that Australia set up a formal review before new laws become law, to check they don’t violate human rights. The Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 created the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, whose job is to examine each new Commonwealth bill (and the proposed amendments) and assess whether they are compatible with human rights. It also requires ministers to provide a statement of compatibility that explains how the bill engages human rights and what, if any, rights might be affected. This gives Parliament a structured, ongoing check on rights implications as legislation is considered.

The other acts don’t establish this specific parliamentary scrutiny mechanism. One is focused on prohibiting discrimination, another implements obligations under the International Criminal Court, and another sets up a human rights commission.