Rights in Oz: ‘regressing all over’
As Tasmania and Queensland consider introducing Bills of Rights, a new book points out that Australians’ liberties and freedoms are being wound back, rather than being maintained and reinforced.. 8 Aug 2017
Mother laments lack of help for son
For 37 years following a difficult birth, a caring mother helped keep her son alive. Ultimately, though, the less-care and indifferent nature of the State saw him die. 20 Oct 2016
Fighting for abortion rights
People will be surprised to learn that, in two major Australian states, abortion is illegal. It’s time to end the subterfuge, and makes sure the law allows women choice. 14 June 2016
Fight for rights and freedoms, CJ says
In a telling speech, retiring Chief Justice of Australia, Robert French, has urged citizens and lawyers to fight, loudly and strongly, to keep our traditional rights, liberties and freedoms. 10 May 2016
Is speech free in the PS?
How constrained are public servants in expressing their private opinions in the lead-up to coming elections? Perhaps not as free from restraint as you might think, says John Wilson. 15 April 2016
DoD now controls science research
Control of science and research in Australia now vests in the Department of Defence, which has a veto over communication and collaboration by Australian scientists with their overseas counterparts. 4 April 2016
Lack of debate causes ‘democratic deficit’
Australia’s Treaties committee has celebrated 20 years, highlighting significant doubts about whether there’s a ‘democratic deficit’ if major national issues are not debated by the full parliament. 26 March 2016
State to control scientific exchanges
A bad law, due to start in April, will see the work of Australian scientists severely curtailed…or they risk $400,000 fines and 10 years in jail, Kevin Korb writes. 1 Mar 2016
Legal assault on Australian democracy
‘Parliaments at all levels have been increasingly willing to enact laws that impinge upon basic rights and freedoms essential to the operation of (Australian democracy)’, say Prof George Williams. 13 May 2015
Politicians turn law into an ‘ass’
What type of society do we really live in? Lawyer Louis Coutts examines how the rule of law has been pretzeled to the detriment of justice by Australian governments. 8 March 2015