Category: Articles

’Terrorism’ threat over-egged to our great cost

Analysing what the real threat of ’terrorism’ is now in Australia, rising 25 years from the aircraft attacks on New York, may be fundamental to knowing whether many far-reaching laws are still appropriate, according to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, Jake Blight. CLA’s contribution, by Dr Tony Murney, to Blight’s inquiry gives the lie to the scare-mongerers and security screamers, and points out the danger of being fearful of the wrong threats, now and into the future.

CLArion Nov 2025: Social justice calls for legislated human rights

As PM Albanese expounds on how social justice is his main personal driver, Foreign Minister Wong calls for all other nations to abide by human rights, other leaders highlight the need to respect citizens and encourage fairness, mateship and a fair go. It’s unfathomable how they can fail to legislate a Human Rights Act for Australia to rebuild trust, reinforce our democracy, and empower citizens so there are no more Robodebts.

CLArion Sept 2025: Converting promise to reality

Labor’s huge parliamentary majority means the second Albanese government can now convert people’s previous hope and tacit expectation into the reality of a long-promised Human Rights Act for the nation. Albo’s HRA will embed a ‘fair go’ into Australian law, for which he will be forever remembered. Based on a dialogue model guaranteeing parliament remains supreme, the draft Bill gives people ready remedies to right government wrongs. Combined, the HRA infrastructure will start to restore Australians trust in government: a lack of trust anchors the nation’s progress in ways as diverse as holding back public sector productivity to increasing the risk of a growing ‘sovereign citizen’ movement.

CLArion August 2025:  HR Act briefing begins anew

With the 48th Parliament under way, CLA is ramping up briefings and backgrounding to achieve a Human Rights Act for Australia. The Labor government, with Greens and Independent support, has the numbers to pass a Human Rights Act easily, so ‘The Time Is Now’. Behind the scenes, Bill preparation is under way, based on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Right’s draft, with the crucial No Rights Without Remedy provisions included. A perfect timeline would be mid-2026 or earlier introduction of a Bill to the House, with passage hopefully through Parliament by the Spring session next year. 

CLArion July 2025: CLA petition launches HR drive

Civil Liberties Australia will lodge a foundational petition with the new Australian Parliament this month as part of a targeted, formal launch of the national Human Rights Act campaign. The aim is to achieve a legislated HR Act by the end of 2026. This will give all Australians rights in law they have never formally enjoyed, and motivate bureaucrats to make best and fairest decisions in the first place. CLA is a key partner among the 130-plus groups and associations backing the campaign – see list in this issue. Once the petition is accepted, you will be able to add your signature to it: we’ll let you know when, and where.