Bills of rights in Australia : history, politics and law

We accept the universal right to live in freedom and without oppression, but are our human rights adequately protected by Australian law? Arguments about the need for a bill of rights in Australia have simmered for fifty years. While attempts to introduce a national bill of rights have failed, recently the states and territories have taken on a pioneering role with statutory bills. Bills of Rights in Australia , written by the leading experts in the field, examines the arguments for and against greater protection of human rights. Original and timely, it examines the emerging evidence of the impact of these uniquely Australian bills of rights. "Australia is often cited as the only Western nation without a bill of rights. While this remains true at a national level, the states and territories have recently taken the running on developing local bills of rights. The ACT adopted a Human Rights Act in July 2004 and in 2006. Victoria enacted a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities in January 2007. Tasmania has now moved formally to consider similar legislation. And Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales also seem likely to take this course. This book examines the significance and ramifications of these radical developments. It is the first to offer a comprehensive examination of this new form of legislation in Australia"--Provided by publisher Contents......Page 5 Abbreviations......Page 7 Foreword......Page 9 Introduction......Page 15 What are human rights?......Page 19 A short history of Australian bills of rights......Page 41 Bills of rights: models and controversies......Page 62 The ACT Human Rights Act 2004......Page 91 The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006......Page 126 Towards an Australian bill of rights......Page 157 Notes......Page 188 Select Bibliography......Page 222 TABLE OF CASES......Page 230 TABLE OF STATUTES AND BILLS......Page 234 TABLE OF INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS......Page 240 Index......Page 242