In 2009 an unparalleled 34,000 submissions were generated on the issue of whether or not Australia should adopt a bill of rights or human rights act.
Though it was clear from the submissions that Australians believe passionately in giving everyone ‘a fair go’, the government of the day, led by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, ignored recommendations for Australia to adopt a human rights act.
Australia is still the only western democracy without a human rights act or charter and since that missed opportunity, Australia’s human rights record has been extraordinarily inconsistent.
Earlier this month Professor Gillian Triggs, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne, spoke at an Amnesty International and ANU Law School event on the subject.
Read the transcript of Professor Gillian Triggs’ speech.