Charter or Bill of Rights
Message from the President
Australia is the only western democracy without a charter or bill of human rights.
Most Australians take their fundamental freedoms and rights for granted, but the fact is there are lots of rights and freedoms that are not specifically protected by Australian law.
Working closely with law societies and bar associations around Australia, the Law Council last year developed a policy in support of a federal charter.
Our policy is aimed at ensuring that decision-makers take human rights into account when making and administering the law.
We encouraged members of the legal profession to participate in the National Consultation on Human Rights which commenced on 10 December 2008.
The National Human Rights Consultation Report was released on 8 October 2009. The Government is currently considering its response.
Below, you can find a copy of our policy and other materials we've prepared on a proposed charter or bill of rights.
We trust you will find this information informative and interesting, and that it assists you in learning more about what a charter of rights would mean for Australia.
If you would like to express support for a charter, I suggest that you write to your local Member of Parliament at this crucial time while the Government is considering its response to the National Consultation Report.
Glenn Ferguson
President
Law Council of Australia
Materials
