The National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) strongly supports the bills introduced by Senator Lidia Thorpe and Senator Fatima Payman, currently before the Australian Parliament and urges the Australian Labor Party and the Crossbench to lend their support to ensure these crucial pieces of legislation are passed. The three bills in question represent essential steps forward in holding both the Australian Government and businesses accountable for their involvement in human rights violations and genocide. These are actions that should already be reflected in Australian law.

Genocide Risk Reporting Bill 2024 is similar to the Modern Slavery Act but includes stronger enforcement mechanisms, such as criminal and civil penalties for non-disclosure. It mandates defence companies and the Australian Government to report on the risks of genocide in their operations and supply chains.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Divesting from Illegal Israeli Settlements) Bill 2024 seeks to prevent Australian charities and the Future Fund from investing in or supporting companies that operate in illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. It utilizes the UN Database of companies involved in such activities as a reference point to identify prohibited entities, aligning Australia’s policies with international human rights standards.

Defence Trade Controls Amendment (Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity) Bill 2024 proposes amendments to the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (DTC Act) to prohibit the Australian Minister from granting permits for the export of defence and strategic goods if these exports could contribute to serious violations of international law, including genocide.

The NCAM urges the Australian Labor Party and the Crossbench to support these bills, ensuring they are passed through Parliament swiftly. These bills represent critical legal measures that aim to align Australian law with international human rights standards and prevent Australian entities from being complicit in human rights violations abroad.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

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National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.