European blood
08-31-2011, 12:58 AM
http://www.jewishnews.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/searle-page2.jpg
VICTORIAN Attorney-General Robert Clark has appointed John Searle (pictured) to head the state’s premier human rights body.
Searle, the current president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), will take over part of Dr Helen Szoke’s role at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) as chairman of the organisation’s board.
Given his personal journey, Searle said he was proud to be taking on the role.
“It’s very humbling and very daunting,” the barrister told The AJN. “It’s testament to the state of Victoria that the son of Holocaust survivors can rise to this position.”
Clark also noted the importance of Searle’s background in his new role, ensuring Victorians were protected from discrimination.
“I think it is symbolic and important that John comes from a community that has experienced the worst consequences of discrimination,” the minister said.
Dr Szoke stood down from her position as both chair and commissioner of VEOHRC this month. While differences of opinion between Dr Szoke and some members of the Baillieu government were on the public record – particularly over the use and importance of Victoria’s human rights charter – she said she left the organisation by choice.
Dr Szoke has since been appointed national race discrimination commissioner.
Searle would not be drawn on his stance toward the four-year-old human rights charter because it is the subject of a government review.
But Clark, who has been a critic of the charter, emphasised Searle’s appointment was based on merit, not politics.
“John was selected by the government on the basis of his wide background and experience,” Clark said.
“John’s an outstanding community leader with a proven record of reaching out to people of all backgrounds.”
He said he expected Searle to bring a range of skills to the role, including leadership, organisation skills, openness and a capacity to work with people from all backgrounds.
On the decision to separate the role of VEOHCR commissioner and chairman, he said it was taken in the interests of good governance and “it’s no reflection of any individual involved”.
Searle has been the president of the JCCV since 2008, but will step down from the position when his term expires this year. He has previously been involved in community affairs in a range of capacities, including as chair of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission.
http://www.jewishnews.net.au/searle-appointed-to-top-job/22662
VICTORIAN Attorney-General Robert Clark has appointed John Searle (pictured) to head the state’s premier human rights body.
Searle, the current president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), will take over part of Dr Helen Szoke’s role at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) as chairman of the organisation’s board.
Given his personal journey, Searle said he was proud to be taking on the role.
“It’s very humbling and very daunting,” the barrister told The AJN. “It’s testament to the state of Victoria that the son of Holocaust survivors can rise to this position.”
Clark also noted the importance of Searle’s background in his new role, ensuring Victorians were protected from discrimination.
“I think it is symbolic and important that John comes from a community that has experienced the worst consequences of discrimination,” the minister said.
Dr Szoke stood down from her position as both chair and commissioner of VEOHRC this month. While differences of opinion between Dr Szoke and some members of the Baillieu government were on the public record – particularly over the use and importance of Victoria’s human rights charter – she said she left the organisation by choice.
Dr Szoke has since been appointed national race discrimination commissioner.
Searle would not be drawn on his stance toward the four-year-old human rights charter because it is the subject of a government review.
But Clark, who has been a critic of the charter, emphasised Searle’s appointment was based on merit, not politics.
“John was selected by the government on the basis of his wide background and experience,” Clark said.
“John’s an outstanding community leader with a proven record of reaching out to people of all backgrounds.”
He said he expected Searle to bring a range of skills to the role, including leadership, organisation skills, openness and a capacity to work with people from all backgrounds.
On the decision to separate the role of VEOHCR commissioner and chairman, he said it was taken in the interests of good governance and “it’s no reflection of any individual involved”.
Searle has been the president of the JCCV since 2008, but will step down from the position when his term expires this year. He has previously been involved in community affairs in a range of capacities, including as chair of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission.
http://www.jewishnews.net.au/searle-appointed-to-top-job/22662