PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

A renewed challenge in an age of fear?

Co-presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, UniSA with the International Human Rights Day SA planning committee and affiliates

Held on 28 July 2004

Principal Speaker: John Harley, Public Advocate

Facilitator: Claire O'Connor, Barrister/Solicitor, Legal Services Commission

After John Harley’s address there will be a facilitated conversation first between panellists including Julie Redman, solicitor Alderman & Redman; Tom Trevorrow, Chair of the Ngarrindjeri Land and Progress and Heritage Association Inc and Chair of the Ngarrindjeri/Meningie Land Council Inc; Elliott Johnson QC, retired judge, followed by audience participation.

This seminar has been organised out of concerns that:

• Although Australia is a signatory to international covenants and declarations on human rights Australia is the only common law country that does not have a Bill of Rights;
• The Australian Constitution offers only limited protection of rights;
• Australia’s existing human rights legislation while beneficial is incomplete;

“The people most likely to be vulnerable to human rights violations are members of minority groups who are often disregarded in the political process.” Professor Hilary Charlesworth, Chair of the ACT Bill of Rights Consultative Committee.

What would be the advantages and disadvantages of a Bill of Rights for South Australia and/or Australia?

This is planned to be the first in a series of seminars to be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Affiliated organisations:

• The Australian Peace Committee Inc SA Branch
• Sophia Ecumenical Feminist Spirituality Inc
• SA Council for Civil Liberties
• United Nations Association of Australia
• Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom