Australian Bill of Rights
THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS IS AVAILABLE BELOW IN THE "TAKE ACTION" BOX
Given the indefinite detention of asylum seekers in Australia, as well as the impending show trials of Australian citizens in the USA in the name of the global war against terrorism, the new ASIO Act, increased privatisation of essential public resources and the massive continuing destruction of our environment, there is certainly a genuine and significant need for a bill of rights to be incorporated into Australian Law to protect people and our habitat from the abuses of modern society.
It is hoped that this Bill will go part of the way to redress this imbalance in Australia and may provide an incentive for other Governments to take all civil rights more seriously. Additionally, it is hoped that this Bill will effectively wind back some of the momentum that pro security interests have mustered since 11 September, 2001.
Whilst this Bill has little chance of being passed by both houses of Federal Parliament, it will provide an excellent opportunity for the Greens to cement their position as the only political party that protects both civil liberties and conservation of the environment.
Technically, it is expected that this Bill will override all federal and state laws that are inconsistent with it, except the Constitution, thereby avoiding the need for a referendum (at this stage).
From that, if people want to get involved, please contact Michael Organ's office by email using the contact us facility on this website.
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The Australian Greens support the general principle of a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities to preserve and enhance the fundamental rights and responsibilities that are essential to human dignity and co-operation and recognise the need for community consultation and participation in the development of such a Bill for the Australian people.
The Australian Greens propose that the following areas be enshrined in a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Australian people:
- Civil and Political Issues
- life, liberty and security;
- legal recognition and equality;
- voting and standing for election;
- privacy;
- police custody;
- that relating to an alleged offender;
- standard of criminal procedure;
- that relating to the victim;
- property;
- procedural fairness;
- freedom
- of religion;
- of thought, conscience and belief;
- of speech and other expression;
- of association;
- to peaceful assembly;
- of movement and residence;
- from discrimination;
- from slavery; and
- from torture, experimentation and treatment;
- Economic and Social Issues
- education;
- adequate standard of living;
- work;
- legal assistance;
- freedom of family structure; and
- adequate child care.
c) Community and Cultural Issues
- living in a safe society;
- collective and individual development;
- that particular to indigenous peoples;
- culture;
- environmental protection and conservation; and
- ecologically sustainable development.
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