The right to free speech and the prohibition against discrimination

There is much to admire in Tony Abbott’s recent speech on the right to freedom of expression given to the Institute of Public Affairs. He is right to affirm, for example, that freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, echoing the words of the UN Human Rights Committee, which has described the rights to freedom of opinion and expression as “the foundation stone for every free and democratic society”.

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Detention treaty in everyone’s interests

In a long overdue move, Australia has moved a step closer towards independent monitoring, inspection and oversight of places of detention. A few weeks ago, the Commonwealth Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon, tabled a report in parliament outlining the national interest in Australia becoming a party to a major international treaty on detention monitoring, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

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Northern Territory intervention law must comply with Australia’s human rights obligations

“There is a path that the Government can take to reassure its critics that it wants the Stronger Futures legislation to comply with human rights standards. Putting it up for review by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights would be a strong signal,” writes Matilda Bogner, UN Human Rights Office Regional Representative in the Pacific.

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A 50,000-volt shock is a highly dangerous weapon

Victoria Police is right not to rush the rollout of Tasers - stun guns that administer an electric shock of 50,000 volts. The tragic death of a man in Sydney at the weekend adds to the growing evidence from around the world that the safety claimed to be inherent in the use of Tasers is overstated: they can be lethal and they are frequently misused. In light of this, Victoria Police needs to ensure that the phased distribution of the devices is subject to rigorous review and evaluation. The case has not yet been made that use of them statewide is justified.

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MichelleBennett
Keeping Charter of Human Rights a victory for Victorians

The Baillieu Government’s decision to retain and possibly strengthen the Victorian Charter of Human Rights is a victory for evidence-based policy, accountable government and a fair go for all Victorians. The Government today tabled a major statement on the future of the Charter following its review by a parliamentary committee last year.

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MichelleBennett
Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities in Action

This 2012 report documents 101 case studies from the first five years of the operation of Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights. They show that the Charter has delivered benefits including greater government accountability, more responsive public services, and a better deal for some of Victoria’s most vulnerable groups, such as people with disability, people with mental illness and people experiencing homelessness.

Read the report here [PDF]

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West Papuan leaders face life In prison

An unprincipled and myopic approach to human rights will fail in West Papua just as it did in East Timor, writes the HRLC's Tom Clarke, Australia needs a new approach, underpinned by a principled and persistent commitment to human rights, to addressing conflicts in our region.

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MichelleBennett