Mr Danby asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 4 November 2003:

(1) Further to the answer to question Nos 2382 and 2383, in respect of the UN Human Rights Committee's ruling in Young v Australia, is she aware that it stated “the Committee wishes to receive from the State party, within 90 days, information about the measures taken to give effect to its views”.

(2) Can she confirm that the 90 days expires on 4 November 2003; if so, has the Government responded to the Human Rights Committee and would she provide a copy of the response to the House.

(3) Is the Government considering changes to section 5E of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 to eliminate discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation; if not, why not; if so, when will the Government introduce legislation to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Mrs Vale (Minister for Veterans' Affairs) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) I am aware that in paragraph 13 of the Views adopted by the Human Rights Committee (the Committee) in the matter of Young v Australia, it was stated that `the Committee wishes to receive from the State party, within 90 days, information about the measures taken to give effect to its Views'.

(2) On 29 August 2003, the Secretary-General of the United Nations formally transmitted to the Australian Government the Views of the Committee. In the letter attached to the Views, it was clarified that in respect of the Committee's request in paragraph 13 of the Views, Australia is requested to inform the Committee, `within 90 days of the transmittal of the Views, of all measures undertaken to give effect to the Views'. The Government has not yet responded to the Committee's Views.

(3) The Government is considering its response to the Committee's Views and cannot comment further at this stage.