Last Tuesday, 14 March, the Brisbane launch of the Human rights Act for Australia campaign was successfully held at the Parliamentary Annexe.
Over two hundred supporters heard from Susan Ryan AO, Professor The Hon. Michael Lavarch, A/Professor Spencer Zifcak, Ms Susan Booth, Dr Mohamad Abdalla and A/Professor Boni Robertson about the urgent need for an Australian Human Rights Act.
The speakers provided a range of perspectives on this important topic.
Michael Lavarch spoke as a former Attorney General on inadequacy of human rights protections in Australian law.
Susan Ryan spoke as the Campaign Chair on the origins of the campaign and the aim of having the draft Bill tabled and debated as a private member’s bill in the federal parliament by the end of the year.
Spencer Zifcak explained the content of the Human Rights Bill and how it has been carefully designed to complement, not conflict with, our existing system of government.
Susan Booth spoke as the Queensland Anti-discrimination Commissioner of the important role that laws can have in changing attitudes in the community.
Dr Mohamad Abdalla discussed the level of anti-Muslim sentiment that has existed since September 11 and how a Human Rights Act is necessary to reverse this trend.
Boni Robertson gave a very moving talk on the tragic consequences suffered by Indigenous Australians as a result of their rights being infringed.
New Matilda would like to thank Just Rights Queensland for their role in organising the event and making it a great success.
New Matilda has now held launches in Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Brisbane. The Perth launch is due to occur on 18 April and more details will be released soon.
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