Monday, 19 October 2009
Will Australia join the rest of the Western world and agree to a national charter of fundamental rights and values?
President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC, addresses this question in an audio presentation now part of Australia21’s ‘Next Big Question’ project - which asks Australians what they consider to be the Next Big Question.
President Branson said there is no better time to discuss this question than right now when the Australian Government is considering the recommendations of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, which include a Human Rights Act for Australia.
“Australia stands out from the rest of the Western world in that it does not have a national charter of fundamental rights and values,” Ms Branson says in the presentation.
“We learnt from the national consultation that Australians do not believe that their human rights are sufficiently protected and promoted at present.
“This is something that matters to all of us,” she says.
“Our national Constitution was not intended to be a charter of fundamental rights and values.
“As a consequence, our Parliament can make a law that breaches human rights without explaining why it needs to do so.”
Dr Lynne Reeder, Executive Officer, Australia21 said the audio presentation aims to include all Australians in the debate about what pressing issues are facing Australia.
“Questions are being captured on the Australia21 website to facilitate the interactive nature of the project so that all Australians can submit what they consider to be the next big question,” Dr Reeder said.
“The website will gather the questions, discuss them on-line, and analyse the trends to identify the major questions that need to be addressed to create an enhanced future for all Australians.”
To listen to the audio presentation and for further information go to http://www.australia21.org.au/media/human%20rights%20commissioner.mp3 or contact Dr Lynne Reeder, Executive Officer Australia21- (m) 0431 608 958.
Media contact for President Branson: Louise McDermott 0419 258 597
