Consultation news
Critical thinking in Cronulla
The Committee’s visit to Cronulla was spread over two sessions to allow more people in the community to contribute.
At the first session, a broad and detailed list of human rights was discussed. These included the right to privacy, the right to die with dignity, and environmental rights. Participants generally thought that rights were insufficiently protected, and cited the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act and recent anti-terrorism laws as examples of this. However, some participants spoke against a charter of rights, noting that countries that have adopted charters often have worse human rights records than Australia. In terms of proposed solutions, one participant noted that we need a living document, which allows us to identify gaps and fill them as society changes over time.
Similarly, those attending the second consultation in Cronulla raised a number of important rights requiring protection. These rights included the rights to education, the rights of the mentally ill, and the rights of disadvantaged people such as those who are homeless. A number of responsibilities were also raised, including the responsibility to be tolerant of diversity, and the responsibility of citizens to vote. Most participants thought that greater protection for human rights is needed in Australia, with some citing the anti-terrorism laws as evidence that rights are not adequately protected.
Our thanks go to the Cronulla community for their time and the important issues they shared and discussed during our sessions.
Frank Brennan, Mary Kostakidis, Tammy Williams and Mick Palmer