ISSUES ... a HUMAN RIGHTS bill for Australia

To 2009 this country has no national laws to protect citizens and residents against acts or omissions by the Federal government or its public servants which damage or threaten their basic human rights

Such protective laws exist in many other countries comparable to Australia, including New Zealand, Canada, Britain, and the USA

One project to remedy this gap at national level was initiated by New Matilda e-zine ... its status may be perused at their web-site via link

A draft (Commonwealth) bill was prepared in October 2005. An outline with explanatory notes is available (as a pdf file) for perusal or download.

Public Hearings 1 – 3 July 2009 As part of the National Human Rights Consultation, the Committee held three days of Public Hearings from 1 to 3 July 2009 in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra

National H.R. Consultation - Sep 2009 report ...... more below :

Contradicting arguments, for conserving the status quo, and opposing a national H.R. bill, are raised by opponents like Bob Carr, former NSW State Premier and journalist. However supportive arguments were raised for this bill in 2006 by Anthony Mason, retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia ... and by Mike Steketee writing in 2008 in the'Weekend Australian' (27.12.08) ... also Geoffrey Robertson with his 2009 book "Statute of Liberty" ... a review of this book by Stephen Keim SC was attacked by Queensland academic James Allan, drawing this response from Mr Keim ... and also read a supportive Christian view on this issue from the IsaiahOne coalition

See also a rebuttal of "it'll only benefit lawyers" reactionary claims - from Andrew Lynch of University of NSW (from 'The Australian')

... and WHAT CAN WE DO ?