The Bar Council has resolved to recommend the adoption of a Charter of Rights for NSW. The council has approved a number of principles which are intended to form a basis for further public debate and discussion on human rights protections in this state.
For details see: http://www.nswbar.asn.au/circulars/charter_rights_bc.php
From Glebe Books
Wednesday March 12, 6.30 for 7pm
BERNADETTE BRENNAN
Just Words: Australian authors writing for justice
Panel: Bernadette Brennan, Frank Brennan, Peter Manning Chair: Justice MICHAEL KIRBY
This distinguished panel will discuss: Can words make Australia a better place? Can writing help to inform a collective national consciousness? Over the past decade Australians have witnessed a significant shift to more insular and conservative economic, ethical and cultural norms. The problems of valuing and achieving justice seem more acute than ever, yet the solutions to those problems are not obvious nor are those in power taking the lead. In this powerful collection, Australian writers explore the relationship between writing and justice, a relationship utterly dependent on informed, ethical readers.
Events: $10/$7 conc. gleeclub welcome
Launches: free
Bookings for both essential
Phone the shop on 9660 2333
Or go to gleebooks.com.au/events
Does Australia need a Bill of Rights? Paper presented by the Hon Michael McHugh AO QC, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, on 8 August 2007 to members of the NSW Bar Association.
“The debate about an Australian Bill of Rights can no longer be considered simply an academic or abstract debate in a country that already boasts an exemplary human rights record. In light of current deficiencies it is, instead, increasingly becoming a debate that holds great practical significance for all Australians.”
Extract taken from the message that Russell Crowe left in the National Trust time capsule, to be opened in 25 years:
“My fervent hope for this country is that we mature enough to have our own Bill of Human Rights and a constitution that protects the rights of individuals as we understand those rights should be. Rights that Australians don’t currently have.”
Good on you, Russell
This is the first in a two part series that will allow members of the Bar to contribute to and participate in the debate regarding a Charter of rights. The Hon Michael McHugh AO QC will address members of the Bar on the topic “Does Australia need a Bill of Rights?”. Anna Katzmann SC will chair the seminar. Members are encouraged to attend both seminars. Time will be allocated at the end of each session for questions and comment. Flyer on the event
| Venue: Bar Association Common Room | ||
| When: 8th August 2007 Start Time: 5:15 PM Duration: 1.5 |
contact Jo Musumeci:
| ph: 02 9229 1722 | |||
| fax: 02 9221 1149 | |||
| email: jmusumeci@nswbar.asn.au | |||
This one day event will discuss developments in the protection of human rights by Australian charters and human rights acts. Human Rights Conference - Melbourne
This one day event will discuss developments in the protection of human rights by Australian charters and human rights acts.
25 September 2007
Melbourne Law School
The University of Melbourne
Carlton, Victoria
25 September 2007
Melbourne Law School
The University of Melbourne
Carlton, Victoria
The Australian Fabians are asking the question of their panel of speakers: Helen Irving, Susan Ryan and George Williams on Wednesday 25 July, 2007 at the LHMU Auditorium, Ground Floor, 187 Thomas Street (corner of Quay and Thomas) Haymarket. Cost: non-Fabians $10/$5, members free (show membership card for free entry).
Flyer for the event: Why is the NSW Government against a Bill of Rights?.
Bookings essential, contact Simon O’Hara, Secretary NSW Fabians: simono@lhmu.org.au
The W.A. Attorney General Jim McGinty announced on 3 May 2007 a proposal to develop a WA Human Rights Act. Please visit their web page to view the Attorney General’s Draft Human Rights Bill, Media Release and other relevant documentation.
Opinion piece on WA draft Bill on ABC website by Fred Chaney
The ALP Conference in April 2007, approved a motion for public consultation of a Federal Charter of Human Rights. This discussion generated the following articles in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Former Premier of NSW Bob Carr said in the Sydney Morning Herald on April 30, 2007: “Democracy thrives in a free press and politics, not in the judiciary”
to which Susan Ryan replied in letters to the Editor on May 1, 2007: “Litany of voices tells of common law failures to protect human rights”
“Harmony Lost: Why Multicultural Australia Needs a Human Rights Act in the Era of Anti-Terror.”
Date and Time: 6:30-8:00 pm, Wednesday 16 May
Location: Level 1, 79 Myrtle Street, Chippendale, NSW
Speakers:
Robin Banks, Chief Executive Officer of PIAC and Director of PILCH
Dr Danielle Celemarjer, Director of Global Studies at the University of Sydney.
Professor George Williams, Director of Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law.
Suraya Turk, Deputy Chair of the Youth Advisory Council of New South Wales
Details and registration: nswaia@amnesty.org.au