NSW Charter of Human Rights

Just when it seemed safe to be openly proud of Australia, the cultural cringers are at it again. This time we need to be ashamed of ourselves because Australia does not have a bill of rights.

Philip Ruddock’s response to the Geoffrey Robinson article in the Sydney Morning Herald, 31 August 2007: Bills of rights do not protect freedoms

New Matilda comment on these comments

NOTE:  It is the position of the NSW Charter Group that the question of human rights protection should be the subject of an open, effective and independent consultation with the community.  When considering the scope of such a consultation, the NSW Charter Group seeks consultation on both what rights should be protected and how they should be protected.  While this is not the same as putting the question to an election, in which many other issues will influence voters, it does seek to give the community an informed and genuine say in the process of developing the appropriate model of human rights protection.

“Australia needs a bill of rights to to reclaim its gold medal reputation for free speech and human rights”, according to acclaimed media lawyer Geoffrey Robertson.  “Free speech has become expensive speech” he said in an interview ahead of an address in Sydney to an audience including the heads of Australia’s major media and legal firms.  “Bill of Rights” Article in the Sydney Morning Herald on-line 28 August 2007.

Quote from the Prime Minister, John Howard, at a lunch celebrating 40 years of talkback radio on July 30, 2007, by Annabel Crabb in the SMH on July 31, 2007.

 “I am, as you know, a strident opponent of the view that this country should have a bill of rights … I think that when you start writing rights down you probably end up circumscribing people’s rights,” he said.

He said there were three things in Australia that obviated the need for a bill of rights;  vigorous parliamentary system, an incorruptible judiciary, and a free media.  And there is nothing quite so free, when it comes to the media in this country, as talkback radio.”

Who needs a bill of rights when you’ve got Lawsie?” asks Annabel

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

contact Jo Musumeci:

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

Taken from The Bar Association’s news and current awareness bulletin Inbrief 27/07/2007

The Bar Association resolved on 4 May 2006 to support the attorney
general’s call for a community consultation with respect to a charter of
human rights for NSW. It sought from its Human Rights Committee an
options paper considering the models that are available and which one
the committee recommended. Read the committee’s options paper
…

THIS EVENT WAS FULLY BOOKED

Lord Robert Walker of the House of Lords is in Australia for other human rights activities and has very kindly agreed to address our forum. We have asked him to reflect on his experience of human rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 (UK) and he is willing to take questions. This was his only public event in Sydney.

Date: Tuesday 21 August, Venue: Gilbert + Tobin, Level 37, 2 Park Street Sydney

Can a Human Rights Charter make a difference? Presentation from Lord Robert Walker at the forum

Continue reading Can a Human Rights Charter make a difference?

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