VoxBrief - August 2008 - Human rights charters: Do they protect our rights?

HUMAN RIGHTS CHARTERS: Do they protect our rights? By Dr David Phillips. 

The Rudd Labor government of Australia elected in 2007, like the earlier Whitlam and Hawke Labor governments, soon began pushing for a national bill of charter of rights.

Nearly $3 million over two years was set aside in the May 2008 federal budget to pay for a nationwide consultation on human rights and the best way to protect them. This move followed a decision by the Australian Labor Party at its 2007 national conference to "initiate a public inquiry about how best to recognise and protect the human rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Australians".