Human rights fears on welfare travel bill

Parliament's human rights committee is concerned plans to ban people who owe money to the Commonwealth from travelling overseas impinges the right to freedom of movement.

The committee on Wednesday asked for more advice on the government bill, which allows the social services department to issue an departure prohibition order if a person has an outstanding welfare debt.

It wants to know whether the limitation is a reasonable and proportionate measure, concerned it may adopt the "least rights restrictive approach".