Stance on human rights has everything - except a charter

22 April 2010Weak arguments should not be allowed to sink plans for a charter, writes Sarah Joseph in the Age

THE FEDERAL government's formal response to the National Human Rights Consultation Committee's report contains welcome initiatives focused on reaffirmation, education, engagement, protection, and respect for human rights. However, a key word is missing from that list: accountability.

In that regard, it is regrettable that the government has chosen to reject the committee's cornerstone recommendation that it introduce a federal human rights charter. Australia will therefore continue to stand alone as the only Western democracy without comprehensive legal protection of human rights...

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