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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...
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...
Disability Rights
Launch of Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Action Plan
Sarah - not her real name - studied law at university. Not only did she earn a good law degree, she won the university medal. She also won competitions for mooting- conducting mock trials for those of you smart enough not to have chosen law as your profession. She could not get a job - or even an interview - with the Australian public service because she has a significant disability, including using a wheelchair, and some verbal communication issues.
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...
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...
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
NSW Tenants’ Union Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Program
Today I would like to extend the way you may view your work and some of the tools available to you. The Tenants Union is part of a long tradition of fighting for housing justice, as I understand, going all the way back to 1910. What I want to add to this robust tradition is a human rights approach.
NDS Conference
The Nojin and Prior decisions in the Federal Court, Full Federal Court and High Court late last year and early this are probably the most significant decisions to employees with disability in Australian Disability Enterprises - and to ADE's - since the passage of the Disability Discrimination Act more than twenty years ago.
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...
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...
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 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...
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
The Native Title Act 20 years on: where to from here?
AIATSIS National Native Title Conference, Alice Springs
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