Human Rights Act myth busters

02 March 2010

 

On 8 October 2009, the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, which had been commissioned by the Rudd Government to consider human rights in Australia, handed down its report recommending the adoption of an Australian Human Rights Act.  This was a landmark moment, representing Australia’s best chance to become the last western nation to adopt comprehensive human rights legislation.

At the time, the Government accepted the report but delayed its response, creating a vacuum which has been filled by a spirited debate.  In the course of the debate, some of those opposed to a Human Rights Act for Australia have perpetuated myths about human rights legislation.

In response, the Castan Centre has prepared a number of “myth-busters”, each of which focuses on one of these claims.  One new myth buster will be added to this site each weekday until further notice. 

If you would like to read all the myth busters, but don’t want to check back each day, then you can get them via any of the following:

Noticeboard

03 May 2012

Strengthen our voice - take part in the Australian Community Sector Survey

There's just under two weeks to go for Victoria's community sector organisations to help us provide an authentic snapshot of the state of demand for services in the state.

22 March 2012

The Attorney-General's Department has launched a new inquiry to explore the scope for reforming Australian contract law. There will be a three-month consultation period.

07 March 2012

In May 2011 the Federal Government announced that the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) would commence operations from 1 July 2012 and that it would initially be responsible for determining the legal status of groups seeking charitable, public benevolent institution, and other not-for-profit (NFP) benefits on behalf of all Commonwealth agencies.