Parliament inquiry on death penalty states

A federal parliamentary committee will inquire into how Australia can engage with countries that still use capital punishment, and promote change.

The discussion follows the executions of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan in Indonesia in April, which led to a surge in activism by Australians against the death penalty.

Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee, Philip Ruddock, says it's a "unique and special opportunity for Australians to have their say," adding that public submissions should be received by October 2, before a report to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop by the end of the year.