Media Statement - 2nd November 2007
Labor's position on customary law is very clear.
Following the release of The Little Children are Sacred report, this year we voted to support the NT intervention including the removal of consideration of customary law for bail and sentencing.
We support one law applied to all Australians.
Also, at the Premiers Conference in July 2006, all Labor Premiers supported one law for all Australians. As the COAG communique stated:
"The law's response to family and community violence and sexual abuse must reflect the seriousness of such crimes. COAG agreed that no customary law or cultural practice excuses, justifies, authorises, requires, or lessens the seriousness of violence or sexual abuse. All jurisdictions agree that their laws will reflect this, if necessary by future amendment."
Labor has already made it plain that we will not be changing any Australian laws in response to the UN Declaration.
Mr Brough is, as usual, wrong.