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Rights and Freedoms

Queensland Law Society Mandatory Sentencing Policy Paper Launch

Acknowledgements Thank you for your kind introduction. I would like to begin by acknowledging the Turrbal People, the traditional owners of the lands on which we are meeting today. I would also like to acknowledge: The Honourable Justice, Margaret McMurdo AC Queensland Law Society President, Ian...

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Free speech is best medicine for the bigotry disease

THE proposed amendments to the Racial Discrimination Act provide the basis for correcting the legal limits of free speech, ­promoting pluralism, opposing reprehensible racism and highlighting the importance of ­responsibility. Arguably the most important change is assessing an 18C violation based on...

Category, Opinion
Race Discrimination

Free thinking?

Many say freedom of expression means nothing if it doesn’t entail a freedom to offend others. Enjoying such freedom means that you may also have to tolerate hurtful or distasteful speech. But what if the burden of tolerance is not borne equally? What if some forms of speech wound not merely...

Category, Opinion
Rights and Freedoms

Why I’ll take the approach of a classical liberal to human rights

As Human Rights Commissioner I want to promote a culture of rights and responsibilities so that every Australian understands their rights and confidently stands up for them against government encroachment. Because human rights are a political construct, there are numerous ways that they can be...

Category, Opinion
Disability Rights

ABS International Day of People with Disability

I acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. I have a dream that my children will grow up in a nation where they are not judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Who said these words? Martin Luther King. If I can adapt that quote, I have a dream that my...

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Social Inclusion and Human Rights in Australia

Chain Reaction Foundation Breakfast Cafe KPMG Level 15, 10 Shelley Street, SydneyTuesday 20 August 20137:45am (Check against delivery) Social Inclusion and Human Rights in Australia I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which we...

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

United Nations of Association of Australia National Conference

United Nations of Association of Australia National Conference Great Hall, University HouseAustralian National University, Canberra 10 August 20139.40am Professor Gillian TriggsPresident, Australian Human Rights Commission Australia and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Download slides I...

Category, Speech
Children's Rights

Children’s rights: everyone, everywhere everyday

Megan Mitchell National Children’s Commissioner Australian Human Rights Commission Castan Centre Human Rights Law Conference Human Rights 2013 The Edge, Federation Square Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne Friday 26 July 2013 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY 1. Acknowledgments Thank you...

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of Speech and giving offence: can a balance be struck?

Annual Kirby Lecture on International law: ANZSIL 2013 Thursday 4 July 20136:30 pm Finkel Theatre, John Curtin School of Medical Research,Garran Rd, Australian National University (Check against delivery) Freedom of Speech and giving offence: can a balance be struck? I was especially pleased to be...

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Speech delivered to Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Today I want to talk to you first generally about Australia’s human rights obligations, and the role of the Commission. I will then move to discuss three key human rights obligations which are relevant to decisions which some officers within the Department make every day.

Category, Speech
Children's Rights

Walking the talk: Towards authentic child voice

It’s fantastic to be amongst so many people committed to the wellbeing of Australia’s children. I’m thrilled to have been invited today by Prue Warrilow, Brian Babington and Families Australia and feel honoured to deliver the Berry Street Childhood Institute Families Australia Oration as my first speaking engagement as inaugural National Children’s Commissioner.

Category, Speech
Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of speech is not in danger in Australia (2013)

Freedom of speech is alive and well in Australia but, with respect to Voltaire, we will not defend to the death those who abuse this right by vilifying others in public on the ground of race.

Category, Opinion

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