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Federal News
What you will find on this page:
A National Charter of Rights: Overview and News
The new Labor government has promised to initiate a 'national conversation' about a bill of rights. Attorney-General Robert McClelland has stated that he would like to sign an un-entrenched charter of rights within the government's first term, but will begin with nationwide consultations.
We will report new developments and media commentary here as they arise.
__________
New! Final Report of the National Human Rights Conlsultation Committee released by Attorney-General Robert McClelland
8 October 2009
The Final Report*
* also available from the National Human Rights Conlsutation website.
CONTENTS
PART ONE: Introduction
- The Consultation: an overview [pdf] available in [doc]
- The community's views [pdf] available in [doc]
- Rights and responsibilities [pdf] available in [doc]
PART TWO: Rights and responsibilities in Australia
- Which rights and responsibilities? [pdf] available in [doc]
- Are human rights adequately protected and promoted? [pdf] available in [doc]
PART THREE: Reform options
- Creating a human rights culture [pdf] available in [doc]
- Human rights in policy and legislation [pdf] available in [doc]
- Human rights in practice [pdf] available in [doc]
- Human rights and Indigenous Australians [pdf] available in [doc]
PART FOUR: A Human Rights Act?
- Bill of rights debates: a historical overview [pdf] available in [doc]
- Statutory models of human rights protection: a comparison [pdf] available in [doc]
- The case for a Human Rights Act [pdf] available in [doc]
- The case against a Human Rights Act [pdf] available in [doc]
- Practical consideration for a Human Rights Act [pdf] available in [doc]
PART FIVE: The way forward
- The Committee's findings [pdf] available in [doc]
APPENDIXES
- Terms of Reference [pdf] available in [doc]
- Colmar Brunton community research report: summary [pdf] available in [doc]
- Colmar Brunton devolved consultation report: summary [pdf] available in [doc]
- The Allen Consulting Group report [pdf] available in [doc]
- The Solicitor-General's advuce [pdf] available in [doc]
- The public hearings [pdf] available in [doc]
- Community roundtables [pdf] available in [doc]
- Statistics [pdf] available in [doc]
__________
National Human Rights Consultation Submits Report to Attorney-General Robert McLelland
30 September 2009
Official Press Statement by Attorney-General Robert McLelland [pdf] (30 September 2009)
__________
Copies of Speakers Presentation at the National Human Rights Consultation Public Hearing, 1-3 July*
20 July 2009
* from the National Human Rights Consultation Website..
Update: Videos of the Public Hearings now available.
DAY ONE :
Session: An overview of those who miss out and fall through the cracks of a fair go for all
- Mr Bill Mitchell, Convenor of the Human Rights Network - Speech [pdf]
- Ms Jacqueline Phillips, Policy Officer, Australian Council of Social Services - Speech [pdf]
- Professor Stuart Rees AM, Director, Sydney Peace Foundation - Speech [pdf]
Session: The human face of those who miss out
- Ms Rosemary Kayess, Acting Director, Sisabilities Studies Centre - Speech [pdf]
- Professor Ian Webster AO, Former Chairman, Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation - Speech [pdf]
Session: The hot button issues
- Mr Neil Francis, CEO, Dying with Dignity Victoria - Speech [pdf]
- Ms Rita Joseph, Lecturer, Institute on Family Policy and Politics - Speech [pdf]
- Mr Rodney Croome AM, Campaign Coordinator, Australian Marriage Equity Speech [pdf]
- The Rt. Reverend Robert Forsyth, Bishop of South Sydney - Speech [pdf]
Session: The human rights concerns that come to our attention and how we deal with them.
- Dr Helen Watchirs, Commissioner, ACT Human Rights Commission - Speech [pdf]
Session: A view to children's rights
- Ms Tiffany Overall, Spokesperson, Chidlren's Rights Taskforce - Speech [pdf]
DAY TWO:
Session: The political case in Australia
- The Hon. Susan Ryan AO, Former Senator, Australian Capital Territory - Speech [pdf]
Session: The Great Debate - Does Australia need a charter of human rights?
- The Hon. Catherine Branson QC, President, Australian Human Rights Commission - Speech [pdf]Mr Edward Santow, Director, Gilbert and Tobin Centre of Public Law - Speech [pdf]
DAY THREE:
Session: Parliamentary scruting - the view from the hill
- Reverend Fr. The Hon. Michael Tate AO, Former Federal Minister of Justice - Speech [pdf]
- Mr. Harry Evans, Clerk of the Senate - Speech [pdf]
Session: Developing a culture of human rights: education, public awareness and active citizenship
- Ms Claire Mallinson, National Director, Amnesty International - Speech [pdf]
- Mr Phil Lynch, Director, Human Rights Legal Resource Centre - Submission [pdf]
__________
Key Submissions to the National Human Rights Consultation (July 2009)
July 2009
Key Submissions*
- ACTHRA [pdf] [word]
- ACT Human Rights Commission [pdf]
- ACT Attorney - General [pdf]
- Amnesty International Australia [pdf]
- Anglican Church of Australia, General Synod [pdf]
- Anne Twomy [pdf]
- ANU National Centre for Indigenous Studies [pdf]
- Anti-Discrimination Commission, Queensland [pdf]
- Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT [pdf]
- Australian Human Rights Commission [pdf]
- Australian Human Rights Group [pdf]
- Australian Lawyers Alliance [pdf]
- Australian Lawyers for Human Rights [pdf]
- Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, International Section [pdf]
- Australian Association of Women Judges [pdf]
- Australian Local Government Association [pdf]
- Australian Network of Environment Defenders Officers [pdf]
- Castan Centre for Human Rights Law [pdf]
- Dr. Ben Saul [pdf]
- Federation of Community Legal Centres [pdf]
- George Williams [pdf]
- Human Rights Act for Australia Campaign
- Human Rights Council of Australia [pdf]
- Human Rights Law Resource Centre [pdf]
- Supplementary Submission [pdf]
- James Stellios [pdf]
- James Stellios & Dr. Amelia Simpson [pdf]
- Law Council of Australia [pdf]
- Law Institute of Victoria [pdf]
- Law Society of New South Wales [pdf]
- Liberty Victoria [pdf]
- Mallesons Stephen Jaques Human Rights Law Group [pdf]
- Merkel QC, Ron and Pound, Alastair [pdf]
- New Matilda Campaign [pdf]
- NSW Council for Civil Liberties Submission [pdf]
- Penelope Matthews [pdf]
- PILCH Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic [pdf] and Annexure of Homeless Persons' Views [pdf]
- Police Federation of Australia [pdf]
- Public Interest Advocacy Centre [pdf]
- Public Interest Law Clearing House [pdf]
- Santow, Edward, Director of the Charter of Human Rights Project at the Gilbert + Tobin Centre for Public Law, UNSW [pdf]
- SCALES Community Legal Centre [pdf]
- Senator the Hon. George Brandis SC, on behalf of the Federal Opposition [pdf]
- Simon Rice [pdf]
- Susan Harris Rimmer [pdf]
- Uniting Church in Australia [pdf]
- University of Oxford Pro Bono Publico [pdf]
- UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights [pdf]
- UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, Professor John Ruggie [pdf]
- Victorian Bar [pdf]
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission [pdf]
- Victorian Government [pdf]
- Whole Health Australia [pdf]
- Wirringa Baya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre [pdf]
- Zifcak, Spencer and King, Alison [pdf]
*More submissions available from the National Human Rights Consultation website. Click here.
__________
Panel Announced for National Consultation
On 10 December 2008, Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced the panel for a national consultation on human rights in a speech before the United Nations Association of Australia in Sydney.
In his address the Attorney-General named Jesuit priest Father Frank Brennan AO a Professor of Law at the Australian Catholic University and Visiting Professorial Fellow at the University of New South Wales as Chairperson. Father Brennan will be joined by Former Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mick Palmer; Journalist Mary Kostakidis; and, Queensland Barrister Tammy Williams.
The Attorney-General also commented on the role of public submissions to the Consultation process stating that;
“The contributions of the Australian community will be critical to the success of this consultation process. The Committee’s job is to seek the Australian community’s views about three fundamental questions:
- which human rights and responsibilities should be protected and promoted?
- are these human rights currently being sufficiently protected and promoted? and
- how could Australia better protect and promote human rights?”
Attorney-General Full address [pdf], [word]
Related websites:
The Official National Human Rights Consultation website -
www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au
- For information on the consultation process and terms of reference, personnel and events, and on how to make submissions
Get Up! Action for Australia National Human Rights Consultation website - www.getup.org.au/campaign/rights/407
- Get Up! is an independent advocacy organisation, and the above website is aimed at helping ordinary Australians take part in the consultation process
__________
Federal Budget allocation for national consultation
The federal budget announced on 13 May 2008 makes a specific allocation of $2.099 million in funding within the Attorney General's Department for a national consultation on human rights, and specifies a consultation as a Departmental priority for 2008/2009. See p 19 and 28 of the Attorney General's budget statement here
Budget Paper No 2 provides further that:
"The Government will provide $2.8 million over two years from 2007/08 to facilitate national public consultations about the recognition and protection of human rights and the recognition of civil responsibilities. The consultation process will also facilitate discussion of possible frameworks to address these issues. The cost of this measure will be met from within the existing resourcing of the Attorney General's Department."
__________
2020 Summit
The 2020 Summit of 19-20 April 2008 brought together 1000 participants to contribute ideas to help shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future. The Summit panels on 'Australian governance' (report p32) and 'strengthening communities and supporting working families' (report p23) both gave strong support to a legislative charter of rights at national level.
Initial Report from the 2020 Summit [pdf] [word version]
Summit website
#Note - members of the governance stream have reported that the Initial Report (which was prepared before the Summit concluded on the Sunday) did not accurately capture the full recomendations of the group. The full text of the agreed recommendations is available here: [pdf] [word]. It is hoped that these omissions will be corrected in the final report. See also Jack Waterford's article
The Prime Minister has responded to the summit recommendations noting that:
“Well, on the question of a charter of rights, there is already, I believe, an investigation called for by the Labor Party through its last platform on that. And that’s the best way forward because there are conflicting views as to what a charter of rights, a legislative charter of rights, does and what it doesn’t do, and what its impacts might be. So, open mind on that. And there is already some investigatory work underway”
Interview with Karen Middleton, SBS TV News, 20 April 2008.
The Summit also became a focus for heated media debate about a national charter. Full text of newspaper articles are available below.
Media
2009
November
- Religious freedom under attack: Pell [pdf], The Australian, 21 November 2009 [word]
- Common-sense overboard [pdf], The Australian, 21 November 2009 [word]
- It's not just cricket, your Honours [pdf], The Courieir-Mail, 21 November 2009 [word]
- Hysteria revisited: 25 years later the world still spins [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 November 2009 [word]
- Cloak falls from the dialogue model [pdf], The Australian, 20 November 2009 [word]
- Anger as crime assets unfrozen [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 November 2009 [word]
- Geoffrey Robertson Comment Bill of Rights [pdf], The Monthly, November 2009 [pdf only]
- Finally, a decision based on common sense [pdf], The Mercury, 16 November 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - charter of rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 14 November 2009 [word]
- Overcome populist fear with sanity from judges and a charter of rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 14 November 2009 [word]
- Storm over torture evidence proposal [pdf], The Australian, 13 November 2009 [word]
- Turn left for a values makeover [pdf] The Australian, 7 November 2009 [word]
- Ten years on, Republic rivals maintain the rage [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 6 November 2009 [word]
- One lazy argument against a Bill of Rights lacks judgement [pdf], Canberra Times, 4 November 2009 [word]
- Withnell says nighclub ban 'like a life sentence' [pdf], The West Australian, 3 November 2009 [word]
- Opinion: Ten years on, Republic's a long way off [pdf], The Advertiser, 3 November 2009 [word]
October
- Sickness that curbs religious freedom [pdf], The Australian, 31 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - not much to worry about [pdf], The Australian, 31 October 2009 [word]
- Britain delivers lesson in dangers of freedom lost [pdf], The Australian, 30 October 2009 [word]
- Prejudice - Secular Pollies [pdf], The Australian, 30 October 2009 [word]
- Parties' prayer: a state of grace [pdf], Canberra Times, 29 October 2009 [word]
- Gallagher, Pell row over plans to buy Calvary [pdf], Canberra Times, 29 October 2009 [word]
- Rights threat to religious tolerance [pdf], The Australian, 28 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - Bill of rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 27 October 2009 [word]
- Costello takes parting shot at Howard 'Tragedy', Northern Territory News, 25 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - Rights and religion [pdf], The Australian, 24 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights 'flood' wrong [pdf], Australian Financial Review, 23 October 2009 [word]
- Clergy unite over charter [pdf], The Australian, 23 October 2009 [word]
- Prejudice - Defending Religion [pdf], The Australian, 23 October 2009 [word]
- Ideology dressed up as social justice [pdf], The Australian, 23 October 2009 [word]
- Charter 'would shift balance' between executive, judiciary [pdf], The Australian, 23 October 2009 [word]
- Call for human rights legislation [pdf], The Age, 22 October 2009 [word]
- No boozing or bed hopping, please [pdf] The Age 22 October 2009 [word]
- Kirby slams charter critics, says activism well-judged [pdf], The Australian, 22 October 2009 [word]
- The people have spoken - and they want protection [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights can thrive alongside national values [pdf], The Australian, 21 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - no retreat on human rights (letter by Frank Brennan) [pdf], The Australian, 19 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights plea [pdf], The Advertiser, 19 October 2009 [word]
- Charter plan changes again [pdf], The Australian, 16 October 2009 [word]
- Second retreat on law dilemma [pdf], The Australian, 16 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - rights debate [pdf] , The Australian, 16 October 2009 [word]
- A bad benchmark for law [pdf], The Australian, 16 October 2009 [word]
- Problems in 'back-door' bill of rights (Abstract only) [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 16 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - forget semantics, these people are que jumpers[pdf], The Australian, 15 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights proposal 'no picnics for lawyers' [pdf], The Canberra Times, 15 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights pressure [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 15 Octoober 2009 [word]
- Human rights consultation and beyond [pdf], Eureka Street, 14 October 2009 [word]
- Power to the hi-tech [pdf], The Australian, 14 October 2009 [word]
- Your say - bill of rights [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 14 October 2009 [word]
- No hiding substantive untruths behind human rights platitudes [pdf], The Australian, 14 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - 'compatibility' legislation on rights is a toothless tiger [pdf], The Australian, 14 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights record slammed [pdf], The Canberra Times, 14 October 2009 [word]
- Battalion of lawyers offer no cost-benefit [pdf], The Australian, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - charter of rights [pdf], The Australian, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Casting evil out of politics [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Big aims in democratic desires [pdf] , The Canberra Times, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Right way hard to judge [pdf], The Mercury, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Callinan warns of charter power [pdf], The Australian, 12 October 2009 [word]
- Rights overkill isn't the majority view [pdf], The Australian, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Legal win for refugee families [pdf] , The Age, 13 October 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights can curb excesses [pdf], The Canberra Times, 12 October 2009 [word]
- Learning to talk across the trenches [pdf], The Age, 10 October 2009 [word]
- It's time this country set matters to rights [pdf] , The Age, 10 October 2009 [word]
- A bill of rights would rewrite the rules [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2009 [word]
- Case still to be made on the need for a bill of rights [pdf], The West Austraian, 10 October 2009 [word]
- Charter a recipe for chaos - 'Enormous problems' [pdf] , The Australian, 10 0ctober 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights desireable but not urgent: votes [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2009 [word]
- Thousands of viewpoints on protecting individuals [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 October 2009 [word]
- The SMHs Richard Ackland accepts the egg gracefully [pdf], The Australian, 10 October 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - human rights act victory for the disadvantaged [pdf], The Australian, 10 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights report poisoned chalice [pdf], The Australian, 10 October 2009 [word]
- Rights act would bind us to a fairer go for all [pdf], The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Just the bill for lawyers [pdf], The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Rights and wrongs [pdf], The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Give courts power to rule on human rights [pdf],The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Dispute ahead over charter [pdf], The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Battle looming on rights - Commttee backs Act, role for courts [pdf], The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Call for a charter based on stitch-up [pdf], The Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights model could follow ACT [pdf], Canberra Times, 9 October 2009 [word]
- A clear voice crying for dignity for our fellow human beings [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Egg in your face to be so satisfying [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights act promises a 'fair go' [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights act would give Canberra final say [pdf], The Age, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Call for a federal human rights act (abstract only)[pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights will clog the courts: Libs [pdf], The West Australian, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Rights bill slammed [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 9 October 2009 [word]
- Nation should have a human rights act: report [pdf], The Australian, 8 October 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights would be wrong (abstract only) [pdf], Austrailan Financial Review, 8 October 2009 [word]
- Human rights should be valued as highly as the Anzac spirit [pdf], theage.com.au, 7 October 2009 [word] [Want to comment? link to online article]
- No time to be a timid little nation [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 October 2009 [word]
September
- Letter to the editor - time to consider a bill of rights [pdf only], The Australian Financial Review, 22 September 2009
- Your say - bill of rights is inevitable [pdf], Herald Sun, 28 September 2009 [word]
- Judges get court in the crossfire [pdf], The Canberra Times, 26 September 2009 [word]
- Human rights protection and bills of rights [transcript], Public Ethics Radio, 25 September 2009 [audio] [more information]
- Gleeson debunks bill of rights claims [pdf], The Australian, 21 September 2009 [word]
- Proscribed Rights [pdf only], The Australian Financial Review, 18 September 2009
- New human rights act expected [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 18 September 2009 [word]
- Victims rights ignored [pdf], The Advertiser, 8 September 2009 [word]
- People with disabilities missing out on their rights [pdf], The Canberra Times, 7 September 2009 [word]
- Chief justice hits back at howard [pdf], The Australian, 5 September 2009 [word]
- Your say-letters to the editor [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 5 September 2009 [word]
- How to decide the fate of another [pdf], The Age, 5 September 2009 [word]
- Privacy risk in age of technology [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 4 September 2009 [word]
- Jurists no more qualified than plumbers on charter [pdf], The Australian, 4 September 2009 [word]
- Rights chief backs limits on judge's say [pdf], The Australian, 4 September 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - court is against a bill [pdf], The Australian, 2 September 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - triumph of the unelected [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 September 2009 [word]
- Let the elected govern [pdf], The Australian, 1 September 2009 [word]
- Commission missing in action when it comes to service [pdf], The Australian, 1 September 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - debate points, not people [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 September 2009 [word]
August
- No bill, just rights [pdf], The Australian, 31 August 2009 [word]
- Three cheers for discrimination [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 August 2009 [word]
- Reality check needed [pdf], The Mercury, 31 August 2009 [word]
- Progress Report on the National Human Rights Consultation [audio/download], ABC Radio National 'Big Ideas', 30 August 2009
- Protect us from judges [pdf], The Courier-Mail, 29 August 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - we can't all be equal [pdf], The Australian, 29 August 2009 [word]
- Constitutional justice gets a guernsey with end of military court [pdf], The Canberra Times, 29 August 2009 [word]
- UN 'flays' discriminatory NT intervention [pdf], The Canberra Times, 28 August 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - Audacious claims [pdf], The Age, 28 August 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - Democracy is not the point, protection from tyranny is [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 August 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - are all Australians equal? [pdf], The Australian, 28 August 2009 [word]
- Sex accused 'entrapped' [pdf], The Canberra Times, 28 August 2009 [word]
- Don't give Judges room on rights: CJ [pdf], The Australian, 28 August 2009 [word]
- Howard says Australia must kill bill of rights [pdf], The Courier-Mail, 27 August 2009 [word]
- Howard rejects bill of rights as 'buck-passing' [pdf], The Australian, 27 August 2009 [word]
- Howard scornful of bill of rights concept [pdf], The Age, 27 August 2009 [word]
- For the peoples sake, we must reject a bill of rights [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 August 2009 [word] [Note this article provides an edited extract of John Howard's speech]
- Death knell for democracy if wigs get the gig [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 August 2009 [word]
- Charter gets rights blast by Howard [pdf], The West Australian, 27 August 2009 [word]
- Spotlight on who rules what's right [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 August 2009 [word]
- Bill-posting crackdown goes too far: MLAs [pdf], The Canberra Times, 19 August 2009 [word]
- Capital Hijinks [pdf], The Age, 15 August 2009 [word]
- Balanced laws protect us from terror and the state [pdf], The Age, 14 August 2009 [word]
- US-style transparency would be good for us [pdf], The Australian, 7 August 2009 [word]
- Steps to human rights [pdf], The Australian, 7 August 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - contempt for human rights [pdf], The Australian, 6 August 2009 [word]
- Our attitude to human rights seems to befit colonial times [pdf], The Age, 5 August 2009 [word]
- Stealth campaign shows contempt for democratic process [pdf], The Australian. 5 August 2009 [word]
- Make rights the measure by which our laws are made [pdf], The Age, 4 August 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - constitutionally secular [pdf], The Age, 4 August 2009 [word]
- Equality loses out to freedom [pdf], The Age, 3 August 2009 [word]
- Attorney-General should look to fix his own party's lack of freedom [pdf], The Australian, 1 August 2009 [word]
July
- Rights charter no threat to religious freedom [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 July 2009 [word]
- Heritage groups in the mix [pdf], The Age, 31 July 2009 [word]
- Speaking out [pdf], The Australian, 31 July 2009 [word]
- Democracy first, then christianity [pdf], The Age, 30 July 2009 [word]
- The legal threat to christian schools [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 July 2009 [word]
- Champion of democracy [pdf], The Chourier-Mail, 29 July 2009 [word]
- Renowned jurist argues for bill of rights [pdf], The Australian, 28 July 2009 [word]
- Charter backers win out [pdf], Hobart Mercury, 27 July 2009 [word]
- South african judge puts case for court [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 24 July 2009 [word]
- Beyond the fringe for some debates [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 23 July 2009 [word]
- Prejudice [pdf], The Australian, 17 July 2009 [word]
- Switch put lawyer on the rights path [pdf], The Australian, 17 July 2009 [word]
- Thoughts on statehood - Letters to the editor [pdf], The Sunday Territorian, 17 July 2009 [word]
- Memo to the commission - don't rush to condemn [pdf], Herald-Sun, 10 July 2009 [word]
- Proud anti-bill of rights [pdf], The Australian Financial Review, 10 July 2009 [word]
- Blast at 'lazy republic' [pdf], The Newcastle Herald, 9 July 2009 [word]
- Voice grow to silence bill of rights [pdf], Hobart Mercury, 8 July 2009 [word]
- State divided on human rights charter [pdf], The Age, 7 July 2009 [word]
- Aboriginal charter of rights (poem)[pdf], Courier-Mail, 7 July 2009 [word]
- 40,000 voices, but the one that really counts is staying quiet [pdf], The Age, 7 July 2009 [word]
- Place for law on bikies in bill of rights [pdf], The Advertiser, 4 July 2009 [word]
- At home, away from home [pdf], The West Australian, 4 July 2009 [word]
- This murderer's right to a claim is clearly wrong [pdf], Herald-Sun, 3 July 2009 [word]
- It's our right to be proud [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 3 July 2009 [word]
- House of lords knows how to skewer this devil [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 July 2009 [word]
- High court stands behind judges' decisions more often [pdf], The Australian, 3 July 2009 [word]
- Cowdery backs human rights charter [pdf], The Australian Financial Reviw, 3 July 2009 [word]
- Dont' let them kill the bill [pdf], www.newmatilda.com, 2 July 2009 [word]
- To safeguard human rights, give power to people [pdf], The Canberra Times, 2 July 2009 [word]
- Chief justice warns on US-style elected judges [pdf], The West Australian, 2 July 2009 [word]
- Bring human rights home [pdf], The Canberra Times , 1 July 2009 [word]
June
- Charter would stifle economic freedom [pdf], The Australian, 30 June 2009 [word]
- Beware the scare campaign - letters to the editor [pdf], The Australian, 30 June 2009 [word]
- Rights of disabled [pdf], The Canberra Times, 29 June 2009 [word]
- WA to challenge bill of rights [pdf], The Financial Review, 26 June 2009 [word]
- Parliament, not judges, might review rights [pdf], The Australian, 26 June 2009 [word]
- Our rights based on UK model [pdf], The Australian, 26 June 2009 [word]
- Arsonist worked for fire authority, Manager fails to disclose past, quits [pdf], Herald-Sun, 20 June 2009 [word]
- Opposition slams human rights law bid [pdf], The Canberra Times, 20 June 2009 [word]
- Even dark pagans shine a light on rights [pdf], Australian Financial Review, 19 June 2009 [word]
- No case to answer [pdf], The Australian, 19 June 2009 [word]
- Charter ruled out, gap filler sought [pdf], The Australian, 19 June 2009 [word]
- Human rights act - letters to the editor [pdf], The Australian, 19 June 2009 [word]
- Charter would only harm the judiciary [pdf], The Australian, 18 June 2009 [word]
- Everyone needs a safety net at some point in their lives [pdf], The Age, 17 June 2009 [word]
- Victims demand rights at home [pdf], The Australian, 16 June 2009 [word]
- Human rights laws 'too weak' [pdf], The Age, 16 June 2009 [word]
- Dangerous charter [pdf], The Australian, 16 June 2009 [word]
- Bloggers to have greater say in legislative debate [pdf], The Australian, 15 June 2009 [word]
- Naked eye [pdf], The Sun-Herald, 14 June 2009 [word]
- Bill that adds up [pdf], The Australian, 13 June 2009 [word]
- Our charter would not politicise the courts [pdf], The Australian, 12 June 2009 [word]
- Hoodwinker's handbook - bill of rights discussion involves much evasion [pdf], The Australian, 12 June 2009 [word]
- Turmoil hit's drive for a bill of right's [pdf], The Australian, 12 June 2009 [word]
- Let justice rule without bias [pdf], The Canberra Times, 10 June 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights would restrain power, not Parliament [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 June 2009 [word]
- A national charter of rights will protect the disadvantaged [pdf], The Age, 8 June 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - a human rights act [pdf], The Age, 8 June 2009 [word]
- Letters to the editor - there's a red herring in dead parrot case [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 June 2009 [word]
- The unutterable r-word [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 June 2009 [word]
- Charter of rights for kids in care [pdf], The Mercury, 6 June 2009 [word]
- Rights charter like a dead parrot [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 June 2009 [word]
- Prejudice [pdf], The Australian, 5 June 2009 [word]
- Charter of rights divides profession [pdf], The Australian, 5 June 2009 [word]
- So, whose rights reign supreme? [pdf], The Age, 5 June 2009 [word]
- A question of judgement [pdf], The Australian, 3 June 2009 [word]
- Wisdom of politicians is frail shield for our rights [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 June 2009 [word]
May
- Ah, freedoms of Joyce are just states of mind over matters of power [pdf], The Canberra Times, 30 May 2009 [word]
- Only bills of rights those from lawyers [pdf], The Goal Coast Bulletin, 30 May 2009 [word]
- Chief Justice opposed to bill of rights [pdf], The Australian, 29 May 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights - letters to the editor [pdf], The Australian, 29 May 2009 [word]
- Commission seeks court role [pdf], The Australian, 29 May 2009 [word]
- A case of legislative overkill [pdf], The Canberra Times, 28 May 2009 [word]
- Good move - letters to the editor [pdf], The Canberra Times, 28 May 2009 [word]
- Rights bill won't pay[pdf], The Australian, 27 May 2009 [word]
- Judges not fit to rule on a bill of rights [pdf], The Courier-Mail, 27 May 2009 [word]
- An enshrined bill of rights may protect the vulnerable [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 May 2009 [word]
- Rights bill may corrup judiciary, says ex-judge [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 May 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights surprise, it could wind back legal protection for victims [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 May 2009 [word]
- Rights charter opens police to 'Legal Risks'[pdf], The Australian, 22 May 2009 [word]
- German law points way in our own rights debate[pdf], The Canberra Times, 22 May 2009 [word]
- Journalism judgement is out of touch with media's mass appeal [pdf], The Canberra Times, 16 May 2009 [word]
- No role for judges in charter[pdf], The Australian, 15 May 2009[word]
- Rights scheme looms as a wrong[pdf], The Australian, 15 May 2009 [word]
- The Final Puzzle Piece Ready To Fit [page 1 pdf] [page 2 pdf], Lawyers Weekly, 15 May 2009
- US rights bill is irrelevant: letter to the editor in response to 'Bill of Rights is the Wrong Call' [pdf], The Australian, 13 May 2009 [word]
- Leap into lead on rights path [pdf], The Canberra Times, 13 May 2009 [word]
- Defend to the last their right to say it [pdf], The Australian 12 May 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights is the wrong call [pdf], The Australian, 9 May 2009 [word]
- Human rights charter gains support [pdf], The Financial Review, 8 May 2009 [word]
- Stand on your rights, or see them trampled [pdf], The West Australian, 8 May 2009 [word]
- Rights charter will not lead to vilification law [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 May 2009 [word]
- The gaping holes in our laws on torture [pdf], The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 2009 [word]
- Until death us do part, by choice [pdf], The Australian, 4 May 2009 [word]
- Only lawyers would rub hands over a bill of rights [pdf], The Advertiser, 2 May 2009 [word]
- Calma calls for body to lead reconciliation [pdf], The Australian, 1 May 2009 [word]
- Push to protect aboriginal rights [pdf], The Age, 1 May 2009 [word]
April
- Two more asylum boats intercepted [pdf], The Age, 30 April 2009 [word]
- Fight for our rights [pdf], The Herald Sun, 28 April 2009 [word]
- In the name of human rights [pdf], The Canberra Times, 27 April 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights is ours to decide [pdf], The Australian, 24 April 2009 [word]
- Carr's bill warning [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 21 April 2009 [word]
- Right's law 'puts bikie curbs at risk' [pdf], The West Australia, 18 April 2009 [word]
- Opposing bill of rights is not crazy [pdf], The Australian, 17 April 2009 [word]
- Rights debate branded simplistic [pdf], The Australian, 15 April 2009 [word]
- Australia has a chance to regain its 'AAA' human rights rating [pdf], The Age, 13 April 2009 [word]
- Crusaders for rights charter rely on lies [pdf], The Australia, 8 April 2009 [word]
- Human rights are there for bikies, too [pdf], The Age, 6 April 2009 [word]
- Charter a course for improved rights [pdf], The Mercury, 6 April 2009 [word]
- Entertaining first draft of a charter operative [pdf], The Australian, 4 April 2009 [word]
- Sessions on a new charter can become silly [pdf], The Australian, 4 April 2009 [word]
- Rights devil is in the detail [pdf], The Australian, 4 April 2009 [word]
- Beware cheap alternatives: we need a rights charter [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 3 April 2009 [word]
- Briefing for a human rights charter [pdf], The Australian, 3 April 2009 [word]
- Off the charter [pdf], The Australian, 1 April 2009 [word]
March
- At least powers that be want to hear about your rights [pdf], The Canberra Times, 31 March 2009 [word]
- Teach human rights: QC [pdf], Sun-Herald, 29 March 2009 [word]
- Dialogue model gives pause[pdf], Australian Financial Review(Abstracts), 20 March 2009 [word]
- A kaleidoscope of views [pdf], The Australian, 20 March 2009 [word]
- Judge right on rights [pdf], The Australian, 20 March 2009 [word]
- Make protecting humans law [pdf], Illawarra Mercury, 18 March 2009 [word]
- People urged to speak their mind [pdf], Illawarra Mercury, 18 March 2009 [word]
- 'Flagrant' breaches of rights blasted [pdf], Canberra Times, 17 March 2009 [word]
- Judicial hurdles in race for rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 14 March 2009 [word]
- Human rights dialogue develops a stutter [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 13 March 2009 [word]
- Rights bill too hard: McHugh [pdf], The Australian, 13 March 2009 [word]
- Responses to article 'A charter we can believe in', (letters to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 6 March 2009 [word]
- Court OK with using covert evidence [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 5 March 2009 [word]
- A charter we can believe in [pdf], The Australian, 4 March 2009 [word]
February
- Statute of Liberty [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 28 February 2009 [word]
- In the 'war on terror', attempts to protect liberties erode them [pdf], Canberra Times, 28 February 2009 [word]
- Hang on, free speech and Telstra don't match [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts), 28 February 2009 [word]
- Erroding democracy [pdf], The Australian, 28 February 2009 [word]
- Response to article 'Brennan slams rights charter', (letter to the editor) [pdf], Brian Tee, The Australian, 28 February 2009 [word]
- Response to article 'Brennan slams rights charter', (letter to the editor) [pdf], Frank Brennan, The Australian, 28 February 2009 [word]
- Brennan slams rights charter [pdf], The Australian, 27 February 2009 [word]
- Woman still separate and unequal [pdf], Sun Herald, 22 February 2009 [word]
- Telstra attacks human rights record [pdf], The Australian, 16 February 2009 [word]
- In Brief [pdf], Canberra Times, 5 February 2009 [word]
January
- Some lawyers take cheap shots, some even work pro bono [pdf], Canberra Times, 27 January 2009 [word]
- Inquiry's loaded but without aim [pdf], The Australian, 24 January 2009 [word]
- Let business opt in to rights charter, urges HREOC chief [pdf], The Australian, 20 January 2009 [word]
- Religious Freedom? [pdf], The Advertiser, 20 January 2009 [word]
- Law to bring level playing field [pdf], Sun Herald, 18 January 2009 [word]
- Human rights charter deserves board debate [pdf], The West Australian, 17 January 2009 [word]
- Most talked about - Human rights (letters to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 16 January 2009 [word]
- Knee-jerk reply ignores evidence [pdf], Australian Financial Review (Abstracts), 15 January 2009 [word]
- Charter a line in the sand (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 15 January 2009 [word]
- Rights charter would transport us to 2009 BC [pdf], The Australian, 14 January 2009 [word]
- Charter panel spreads web for consultations [pdf], The Australian, 12 January 2009 [word]
- Bill of rights (letter to the editor) [pdf], Canberra Times, 8 January 2009 [word]
- Once again, checks are needed to curb executive power [pdf], Canberra Times, 3 January 2009 [word]
2008
December
- We can't trust judges not to impose their own ideology [pdf], The Australian, 29 December 2008 [word]
- Judges have their place [pdf], The Australian, 27 December 2008 [word]
- A lot of value in bill of rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 23 December 2008 [word]
- A bill or rights is about who gets to decide [pdf], The Australian, 23 December 2008 [word]
- Debate's terms not slanted towards a bill [pdf], The Australian, 22 December 2008 [word]
- Rights debate matter for parties, not Parliament [pdf], Canberra Times, 18 December 2008 [word]
- An opportunity we must grab [pdf], Canberra Times, 16 December 2008 [word]
- Balance missing from rights probe [pdf], The West Australian, 16 December 2008 [word]
- Victoria's charter: Is it right for the nation? [pdf], The West Australian, 15 December 2008 [word]
- Uncharted waters [pdf], The Australian, 13 December 2008 [word]
- Long past time for the people to assert inalienable rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 13 December 2008 [word]
- Judging who rules over rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 13 Decmeber 2008 [word]
- Charter of rights 'to help criminals' [pdf], The West Australian, 13 December 2008 [word]
- Porter vows to fight PM’s rights charter [pdf], The West Australian, 12 December 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights [pdf], The Advertiser, 12 December 2008 [word]
- Righting outdated ways [pdf], The Mercury, 12 December 2008 [word]
- A fortress of dignity benefits from broad input [pdf], Australian Financial Review (Abstracts), 12 December 2008 [word]
- Rights charter builds support [pdf],
Australian Financial Review (Abstracts), 12 December 2008 [word]
- Not the right time to push for a charter [pdf], The Courier Mail, 12 December 2008 [word]
- The ambulance-chasing lawyers that broke Jack's back [pdf], The Australian, 12 December 2008 [word]
- Legislation is not the key to human rights [pdf], The Australian, 12 December 2008 [word]
- 'Most vulnerable have most to gain' [pdf], The Australian, 12 December 2008 [word]
- Senate baulks at charter of rights [pdf], The Australian, 12 December 2008 [word]
- Sedition laws under threat [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Fresh call for Aussis human rights charter [pdf], The Mercury, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Onus is on the Government to show a need for rights law [pdf],
The West Australian, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Canberra may impose charter of rights on States, says expert [pdf], The West Australian, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Law considers human rights [pdf], Northern Territory News, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Bill of slights against our prized democracy [pdf], The Daily Telegraph, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Committee will test Australia's constitution for a Bill of Rights [pdf], The Courier Mail, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Opposition flags bill of rights fight [pdf], The Age, 11 December 2008 [word]
- It's time Australia set matters to rights [pdf], The Age, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Do we need one of these? [pdf], The Age, 11 December 2008 [word]
- A charter for the elites [pdf], The Australian, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Balance of power worth defending [pdf], The Australian, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Critics read the rights act over panel [pdf], The Australian, 11 December 2008 [word]
- Law Council Welcomes National Consultation on Human Rights Charter [pdf], Law Council of Australia Media Release, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Law Council Uses Milestone to Urge Full Implementation of Universal Human Rights [pdf], Law Council of Australia Media Release, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Door opens to charter of rights [pdf], The West Australian, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Australian bill of rights a step closer [pdf], Canberra Times, 10 December 2008 [word]
- 'Fence-sitter' heads charter team [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Rudd's bill of rights sceptic to avoid villans' charter [pdf], The Australian, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Faith put in priest to steer correct course [pdf], The Australian, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Priest to head panel on bill of rights [pdf], The Age, 10 December 2008 [word]
- Might a right, but let's not let the bill rest [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 9 December 2008 [word]
- Bill of Rights [pdf], The Advertiser, 8 December 2008 [word]
- Putting a bill of rights on the agenda [pdf], Canberra Times, 7 December 2008 [word]
- High and Righty [pdf], The Newcastle Herald, 6 December 2008 [word]
- The right time to ask questions [pdf], The Mercury, 6 December 2008 [word]
- Charter foes tilting at scary straw monsters [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 5 December 2008 [word]
- Law Council to evaluate federal charter [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts), 5 December 2008 [word]
- Fair play a must in human rights [pdf], Canberra Times, 5 Decmeber 2008 [word]
- Response to article 'Charter of wrongs', (letter to the editor) [pdf], Spencer Zifcak, The Australian, 5 December 2008 [word]
- Response to article 'Charter of wrongs', (letter to the editor) [pdf], George Newhouse, The Australian, 5 December 2008 [word]
- Response to article 'Charter of wrongs', Power will not transfer from elected politicians to judges (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 5 December 2008 [word]
- Charter of wrongs [pdf], The Australian, 4 December 2008 [word]
- No charter likely [pdf], The Australian, 4 December 2008 [word]
- Telstra reveals its human rights face [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts), 4 December 2008 [word]
- Turnbull bags bill of rights [pdf], The Advertiser, 4 December 2008 [word]
- Matter of trust (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Courier Mail, 4 December 2008 [word]
- Rights talks wrong, warns Turnbull [pdf], The Courier Mail, 4 December 2008 [word]
- The right bill of rights [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 4 December 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights to rein in parliament [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 3 December 2008 [word]
November
October
- Human rights legislation is in the spotlight [pdf], The Newcastle Herald, 28 October 2008 [word]
- Rudd's charter of rights a modest proposal [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts) 24 October 2008 [word]
- Defenders of laissez-faire (letters to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 13 October 2008 [word]
- Joy for Jack as jury rejects 'jihad' case [pdf], Herald Sun, 24 October 2008 [word]
- Voting for judges [pdf], The Australian, 21 October 2008 [word]
- Charter awaiting take-off [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts), 17 October 2008 [word]
- Failing benchmark of rights and representation (letters to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 10 October 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights is essential to best serve human rights [pdf], John von Doussa, Sydney Morning Herald, 9 October 2008 [word]
- Rudd Labor 'inconsistent' on human rights: report [pdf], Canberra Times, 4 October 2008 [word]
- Consultation for charter of rights [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts), 3 October 2008 [word]
- A Bill to dodge [pdf], The Australian, 3 October 2008 [word]
- Political correctness stifles debate [pdf], James Allan, The Australian, 3 October 2008 [word]
- 'Resist attempts to dilute our human rights' [pdf] ,The Age, 2 October 2008 [word]
September
August
- Rights of citizens (letter) [pdf], The Age, 26 August 2008 [word]
- If it ain't broke, we don't need to fix it (letter) [pdf], The Age, 25 August 2008 [word]
- A charter for Australia's modern needs [pdf], Justice Michael Kirby, The Age, 23 August 2008 [word]
- Brandis draws fire on charter of rights critique [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstract), 22 August 2008 [word]
- Right to privacy given away: top judge [pdf], The Age, 21 August 2008 [word]
- Chief Justice retires with few regrets [pdf], Canberra Times, 21 August 2008 [word]
- The Age readers' poll: does Australia need a bill of rights? [pdf], The Age, 20 August 2008 [word]
- Hostile to human rights (letter) [pdf], The Australian, 15 August 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights to create star chamber [pdf], Courier-Mail, 15 August 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights would be wrong (letter) [pdf], the Australian 12 August 2008 [word].
- Liberals aim to wedge Labor on bill of rights [pdf] Glenn Milne, the Australian, 11 August 2008 [word].
- Balancing competing rights requires trade-offs [pdf], James Allan, the Australian, 11 August 2008 [word]
- Read between the lines to get a grasp of French [pdf], Janet Albrechtsen, the Australian, 2 August 2008 [word].
July
- Top clergy thank PM for change in policy [pdf] the Australian 30 July 2008 [word]
- Let's restore a democratic right [pdf], the Advertiser, 26 July 2008 [word].
- Rights Act not best for unborn: lawyer [pdf] the West Australian, 23 July 2008 [word].
- Dud decision in court annoying on any number of counts [pdf], Crispin Hull, Canberra Times 19 July 2008 [word].
- Wrong anti-rights case (letter)[pdf], Hilary Charlesworth (response to James Allan) the Australian, 19 July 2008 [word].
- Don't entrust liberty to madcap judges [pdf], James Allan, the Australian, 17 July 2008 [word].
- A Victory only until the next time [pdf],
George Williams and Nicola McGarrity, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 July 2008 [word]
- Condoms all round as annoying law dashed [pdf] Sydney Morning Herald, 16 July 2008 [word]
- Push for constitutional reform slowly gathers momentum [pdf], Canberra Times, 14 July 2008 [word]
- Don't trust politicians with your human rights [pdf], Sun Herald, 13 July 2008 [word]
- Australia should now become a human rights leader (again) [pdf], Philip Lynch, The Age, 8 July 2008 [word]
- Let us speak (letter) [pdf], Illawarra Mercury, 1 July 2008 [word]
June
- Free speech for idiots [pdf], Daily Telegraph, 28 June 2008 [word]
- High Court hopefuls led through judicial pageant [pdf], T he Australian, 27 June 2008 [word]
- Hail to the chief (justice) who'll set course on rights [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstract), 27 June 2008 [word]
- Lawyer says arrest brings law into disrepute [pdf], Gold Coast Bulletin, 25 June 2008 [word]
- Top Jurists misreported (letter) [pdf], Peter Applegarth SC, The Australian, 21 June 2008 [word]
- Top Judge spurns bill of rights [pdf], The Australian, 20 June 2008 [word]
- Justified limits on speech (letter) [pdf], Anna Katzmann SC, The Australian, 13 June 2008 [word]
- Judges speak of nation building [pdf] Courier Mail, 11 June 2008 [word]
- Even young progressives don't want to give unelected judges more power [pdf], Janet Albrechtsen, The Australian, 7 June 2008 [word]
- Young Labor votes to reject charter of rights [pdf], The Australian, 7 June 2008 [word]
- Lessons from UK Human Rights Act: the good, bad and the ugly [pdf], The Australian, 6 June 2008 [word]
- Canada's deadly tongue trap [pdf], James Allan, The Australian, 6 June 2008 [word]
May
- Truth takes a beating [pdf], George Williams, Canberra Times, 24 May 2008 [word]
- Question of our rights (letters to the editor) [pdf], Herald Sun, 23 May 2008 [word]
- Labor cashes in on a budget of change [pdf], Natasha Stott Despoja, Adelaide Advertiser, 19 May 2008 [word]
- Reply to a don (letter to the editor) [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstract), 19 May 2008 [word]
- Start the charge from home [pdf], Philip Lynch, Australian Financial Review (abstract) 16 May 2008 [word]
- Rights bill urged to thwart violations [pdf], Canberra Times, 14 May 2008 [word]
- Coalition to back same-sex changes [pdf], Canberra Times, 14 May 2008 [word]
- Beware hidden agendas (abstract) [pdf], Greg Craven, Australian Financial Review, 12 May 2008 [word]
- Where is the evidence? (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 10 May 2008 [word]
- Horror stories unfairly bedevil charter of rights [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 9 May 2008 [word]
- When it comes to picking High Court justices, give the little guys a go [pdf], James Allan, The Australian, 9 May 2008 [word]
- Governance experts having trouble with who's in charge [pdf], Jack Waterford, the Canberra Times, 3 May 2008. [word]
- Spigelman sits on the fence [pdf], The Australian, 2 May 2008 [word]
- the text of Spigelman's speeches are available on the Resources page
- Bill of rights all wrong [pdf], Mirko Bagaric, Herald Sun, 1 May 2008 [word]
- Letters to the editor [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May 2008 [word]
April
- What's so wrong with the judiciary dealing with rights?[pdf] Stephen Keim, Crikey, 30 April 2008 [word]
- Executive rule to be feared [pdf], Jack Waterford, Canberra Times, 30 April 2008 [word]
- Full speech of Cardinal George Pell to the Brisbane Institute [pdf] , 29 April 2008, [word]
- Rights best protected by parliament, says Pell [pdf], The Australian, 29 April 2008 [word]
- Find out the details (letter to the editor) [pdf], Illawarra Mercury, 29 April 2008 [word]
- Top judge questions need for rights bill [pdf], The Australian, 28 April 2008 [word]
- Most talked about: charter of rights (letters to the editor) [pdf], The Australian 26 April 2008 [word]
- 'Make bill of rights debate open to all' [pdf], The Australian, 25 April 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights will help the hoi polloi, not just the haughty torty [pdf], Andrew Lynch, The Australian, 25 April 2008 [word]
- Hearings to grapple with bill of rights, private gifts [pdf], Canberra Times, 25 April 2008 [word]
- Lawyers are already drunk with power[pdf], Bob Carr, The Australian 24 April 2008 [word]
- Rights and the Judiciary (letter to ed) [pdf], the Australian, 24 April 2008 [word]
- Beware the galloping imperialist judiciary [pdf], Janet Albrechtsen, The Australian, 23 April 2008 [word]
- Stanhope pressures PM on gay unions [pdf], the Australian, 23 April 2008 [word]
- Charter looms as first clash of ideologies [pdf], The Australian, 22 April 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights will protect fair treatment [pdf], Adelaide Advertiser, 22 April 2008 [word]
- Rights bus unlikely to leave depot [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 22 April 2008 [word]
- 2020 Summit various letters to the editor [pdf], various sources [word]
- Lawyers, mugs and money [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Thanks, now it's over to us: PM [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Tough job deciding what to embrace [pdf], The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Nelson warns of PC future under Labor rule [pdf], The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- PM given task to fast track republic [pdf], The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Summit backs Labor agenda [pdf], The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Leader's plate full of big ideas he can't stomach [pdf], The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Risky business in summit outcomes [pdf], The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Republic 'should go to vote' in plebiscite [pdf], Canberra Times, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Excerpt from Wall Street Journal Asia [pdf], Janet Albrechtsen, The Australian, 21 April 2008 [word]
- Academic urges action on bill of rights for Aborigines [pdf], The Australian, 19 April 2008 [word]
- Action the big test: News chief [pdf], The Australian, 19 April 2008 [word]
- Give summit a fair dinkum go [pdf], Daily Telegraph, 19 April 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights wrong (letters to the editor) [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 19 April 2008 [word]
- Charter on rights focus [pdf], Hobart Mercury, 19 April 2008 [word]
- A national charter of rights [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstract), 18 April 2008 [word]
- Anti-terror laws mean we need a bill of rights [pdf], Ron Dyer, The Australian, 18 April 2008 [word]
- Kinder surprise [pdf], Michelle Grattan, The Age 18 April 2008 [word]
- Law council push for reform of complaints [pdf], Courier Mail, 18 April 2008 [word]
- Right balance fits the bill [pdf], Rosalind Dixon, Australian Financial Review (abstract), 18 April 2008 [word]
- Sackville retires five years early with guns blazing [pdf], The Australian, 18 April 2008 [word]
- A question of human rights[pdf], Graeme Innes, The Age, 17 April 2008 [word]
- No lies and open government [pdf], Michelle Grattan, The Age, 17 April 2008 [word].
- (NSW) Labor mimics US conservative spiel [pdf], David Marr, Sydney Morning Herald, 17 April 2008 [word]
- Singing a song no one wants to hear [pdf], the Advertiser, 16 April 2008 [word]
- Christian lobby fears bill of rights [pdf], the Australian, 16 April 2008 [word]
- Letter by Sir Anthony Mason (correcting earlier article) [pdf] The Australian (letters), 15 April 2008 [word].
- 2020 participants declared before acceptance [pdf], The Australian, 15 April 2008 [word]
- It's not necessary to involve the Courts on rights (letter to the editor) [pdf], the Australian,15 April 2008 [word].
- Alarmist tactics spark rift in ALP over rights bill [pdf], The Australian, 14 April 2008 [word]
- Youth list their demands to PM [pdf], The Australian, 14 April 2008 [word]
- Flaws in a charter [pdf], The Australian, 12 April 2008 [word]
- Judges abandon Rudd's summit [pdf], The Australian, 12 April 2008 [word]
- Human rights groups to argue for a charter, the Australian, 12 April 2008 [word]
- There are some adventures that even judges will not indulge [pdf], Jack Waterford, Canberra Times, 12 April 2008 [word]
- Federalism the key to good governance [pdf], Canberra Times, 12 April 2008 [word].
- Time for a major renovation [pdf], Canberra Times, 12 April 2008 [word].
- Bill of Rights makes a wrong [pdf], Gold Coast Bulletin, 12 April 2008 [word].
- Terror shake-up may get boost [pdf], Canberra Times, 12 April 2008 [word]
- Balanced consideration (letter to the editor) [pdf], Gabrielle McKinnon, The Australian, 12 April 2008 [word]
- Mad game to tinker with our great system [pdf] James Allan, The Australian, 12 April 2008 [word].
- Charter of rights won't fix society, The Australian 11 April 2008 [word].
- A-G rejects dangerous rights charter [pdf], Australian Financial Review (abstracts), 11 April 2008 [word]
- New voices rework an old script [pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 7 April 2008 [word]
- Guns ban is off target (letter to the editor) [pdf], Illawarra Mercury, 7 April 2008 [word]
- Counter-terrorism laws tougher than US: lawyer [pdf], Canberra Times, 5 April 2008 [word]
- Bickering aside, we need a rights charter [pdf], The Australian, 4 April 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights to protect freedoms [pdf], Courier Mail, 4 April 2008 [word]
- Founding wisdom (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 4 April 2008 [word]
- Democratic danger (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 4 April 2008 [word]
- Need for time and courage to alter security laws [pdf], Canberra Times, 4 April 2008 [word]
- Giving lawyers more power will cut our liberties [pdf], The Australian, 2 April 2008 [word]
March
- Democrats push for terrorism law review [pdf], Canberra Times, 29 March 2008 [word]
- We're young and free, how dare you [pdf], Newcastle Herald, 29 March 2008 [word]
- First right (letter to the editor) [pdf], Hobart Mercury, 26 March 2008 [word]
- Push from the left (letter to the editor) [pdf], Hobart Mercury, 26 March 2008 [word]
- Charter of rights (letter to the editor) [pdf], The Australian, 14 March 2008 [word]
- Charter of Rights will make pollies more accountable [pdf], The Australian, 14 March 2008 [word]
- Brennan foresees Constitutional glitch with rights charter [pdf], The Australian, 14 March 2008 [word]
- On a swing and a prayer [pdf], The Australian, 8 March 2008 [word]
- Busting Myths about the need for our own Charter of Rights [pdf], John Hatzistergos, The Australian, 7 March 2008 [word]
February
- Pollies or judges to rule the roost?[pdf] James Allan, The Australian, 29 February 2008 [word]
- Under Labor elites will remain irrelevant [pdf] Janet Albrechtson, The Australian, 27 February 2008 [word]
- Left leans on PM to fix up Australia[pdf], The Australian 26 February [word]
- Newbie MP's urge an end to work conflict [pdf], The Australian, 15 February 2008 [word]
- Maiden outing for Labor's new wave[pdf], the Age, 15 February 2008 [word]
- Judicial activism is a matter of opinion [pdf],(abstract) Australian Financial Review, 8 February 2008 [word]
- Don't give judges any more power [pdf], James Allan, the Australian, 7 February 2008 [word].
- Don't count on a poll [pdf], Courier Mail, 2 February 2008 [word] (brief paragraph, notes that Libs will be discussing their position on bill of rights next week)
- Business must be involved [pdf], Angela Ward, Australian Financial Review 1 February 2008 (abstract) [word]
- Bill of rights could just mean a big bill [pdf], George Brandis, Australian Financial Review 1 February 2008, (abstract) [word]
January
- Gleeson queries judicial changes [pdf] the Australian, 31 January 2008 [word]
- Rights of the homeless [pdf] Philip Lynch, the Age, 30 January 2008 [word].
- Protecting people [pdf] Helen Szoke, the Herald Sun, 28 Janaury 2008 [word]
- A Court short of answers [pdf], George Williams, the Australian, 26 January 2008 [word]
- Online pressure group writes wish list to Rudd [pdf], the Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 2008 [word]
- Conservative path is the best bet for Liberals [pdf] the Australian, 21 January 2008 [word]
- Julian Burnside: A question of justice [pdf], the Advertiser 19 January 2008 [word]
- A social order Australia does not need [pdf], the Age, 16 January 2008 [word]
- Bill of rights on the cards, says Hulls [pdf], the Australian, 5 January 2008 [word]
- Another bundle of intrusions [pdf], Richard Ackland, the Sydney Morning Herald, 4 January 2008 [word]
2007
- Overweening executive proves case for bill of rights[pdf] Crispin Hull, the Canberra Times, 29 December 2007 [word]
- Human Rights finally take centre stage [pdf] George Williams, the Australian, 14 December 2007 [word]
- Bill of Rights to put 'fair' back into 'fair dinkum'[pdf], Newcastle Herald, 10 December 2007 [word]
- Labor to push on with new Charter[pdf], Michael Pelly, the Australian, 7 December 2007 [word]
- Conservatives must join Charter of Rights discussion [pdf], Janet Albrechtsen, the Australian, 5 December 2007[word]
- Do-it-yourself Charter to right future wrongs[pdf] Sydney Morning Herald, 1 December 2007[word]
- Save the Children, Rudd Urged[pdf], Sydney Morning Herald, 29 November 2007 [word]
Media reports prior to the 2007 federal election
- Rudd to turn back Boat People [pdf] (includes comments about a bill of rights) : The Australian, 23 November 2007 [word version]
- Unions not the Enemy[pdf] - James Allan, the Australian, 20 November 2007 [word version]
- Bill of rights call, Northern Territory News, 13 November 2007
- Democrats highlight human rights (abstract), Financial Review, 13 November 2007
- All quiet on big changes to our laws (abstract), Financial Review, 9 November 2007
- Plenty of legal firepower as pro bono teams take aim, The Australian, 9 November 2007
- Ruddock to review Moss report, The Australian, 7 November 2007
- We need Bill of Rights, The Advertiser, 5 November 2007
- Come to the aid of less privileged (abstract), Financial Review, 2 November 2007
- Activist judiciary a looming menace, The Australian, 31 October 2007
- Bill of rights is all wrong (letter to the editor), Herald Sun, 29 October 2007
- Al-Kateb case stirs shame in being Australian (letter to the editor), Sydney Morning Herald, 29 October 2007
- Brown still hopeful of blocking Tasmanian mill, The Age, 29 October 2007
- Fraser calls for vote on taking country to war, The Age, 26 October 2007
- New wave of radicalism, the Australian, 24 October 2007
- Human rights approach to immigration muddle-headed, wrong and dangerous, The Australian, 19 October 2007
- Vague statement (letter to the editor), The Advertiser, 16 October 2007
- Lawyers support Bill of Rights (letter to the editor), The Advertiser, 15 October 2007
- Republic question deserves another hearing, Sun Herald, 14 October 2007
- Accountability a top reform for Opposition, The Australian, 12 October 2007
- Judge calls for Bill of Rights, The Advertiser, 11 October 2007
- Kirby: we should adopt a human rights statute, The West Australian, 11 October 2007
- Kirby in stinging attack on fellow High Court judges, Sydney Morning Herald, 11 October 2007
- Judges too timid for the hard cases: Kirby, The Australian, 11 October 2007
- Blazer trail, Herald Sun, 9 October 2007
- Boot's on the other foot when pollies overstep with remarks, Canberra Times, 6 October 2007
- No credibility on law in either party, The Australian, 27 September 2007
- Haneef: ALP backs anti-terrorism laws, Canberra Times, 27 September 2007
- Experts baulk at calls for increased ASIO powers, Canberra Times, 22 September 2007
- US awake to the sleeping problem, The Australian, 21 September 2007
- Judge calls for right to quash unjust laws, The Australian, 14 September 2007
- Feedback (letter to the editor), Illawarra Mercury, 11 September 2007
- Labor would go soft on terror: Ruddock, The Australian, 7 September 2007
- Don't give away what you're fighting to defend says US lawyer, The Australian, 7 September 2007
- Ban on anti-Bush protests disgraceful (letter to the editor), The Advertiser, 7 September 2007
- When rights are wrong, Herald Sun, 5 September 2007
- Terror laws fuel bill of rights push, The Courier-Mail, 3 September 2007
- MPs quizzed on legal stand, Canberra Times, 3 September 2007
- Rising threat to free speech - Canberra Times, 1 September 2007 [text of speech by Geoffrey Robertson QC on freedom of speech in Australia and the need for a bill of rights]
- Rights a casualty of terrorism, The Australian, 1 September 2007
- It's right to right wrongs with a bill of rights, right?, Daily Telegraph, 1 September 2007
- It's radio that puts a smile on PM's dial, Sydney Morning Herald, 31 July 2007
- Ruddock rejects rights charter, The West Australian, 27 April 2007
- National charter of rights essential (Media Release), 27 April 2007
- 'Working charters open door to better governance'[pdf], Australian Financial Review 27 April 2007 [doc]
- State rights push wrong - Ruddock slams campaign, Daily Telegraph, 7 April 2006
[For other relevant media articles prior to 1 September 2007, please see the general News site]
Other
Attorney-General's Non-Government Organisation Forum on Domestic Human Rights, Background Paper: Human Rights Matters [pdf], Canberra, 14 August 2009 [word]
Transcript from Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, 20 October 2008 (discussion on the human rights consultation)
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