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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...
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...
Children's Rights
Emerging priorities in my role as National Children’s Commissioner
I am honoured to be invited to participate in the Grand Rounds at the Royal Children’s Hospital. What a Grand title indeed, and it makes me feel a little as though I should be appropriately attired in a white coat with stethoscope.
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...
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...
Rights and Freedoms
Freedoms versus anti-discrimination laws? A false debate
Responsibility, anti-discrimination laws, human rights and freedoms - these words have been at the center of an ideological debate about how to protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom from detention without trial. But if we are serious about...
Children's Rights
Young people seeking asylum – protecting their rights in Australia
Young people seeking asylum – protecting their rights in Australia Practitioners Workshop, ‘Improving Services for Unaccompanied Minors & Young People Seeking Asylum’ CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY 1. Acknowledgments Thank you, Pino, for your introduction. Thank you also to Australian Red Cross for the...
Rights and Freedoms
Freedom of Speech and Racial vilification: one man’s freedom ends where another’s starts
The Sydney Institute Tuesday 26 November 2013 6pm Venue: King & Wood Mallesons, Level 61, Governor Phillip Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney (Check against delivery) I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the Sydney Institute speakers program and to discuss two freedoms- freedom of speech...
Rights and Freedoms
Social Inclusion and Human Rights in Australia
Chain Reaction Foundation Breakfast Cafe KPMG Level 15, 10 Shelley Street, Sydney Tuesday 20 August 2013 7:45am (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...
Rights and Freedoms
United Nations of Association of Australia National Conference
United Nations of Association of Australia National Conference Great Hall, University House Australian National University, Canberra 10 August 2013 9.40am Professor Gillian Triggs President, Australian Human Rights Commission Australia and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Download slides I...
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Australia, Human Rights, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
A comment on the current human rights issues faced by Australia in the processing of refugees and asylum seekers
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...
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 2013 6:30 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...
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.
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