There has been much debate concerning the formation of an Australian Bill of Rights. There are arguments both for and against the necessity of Australia adopting one.
A Bill of Rights is a statement of basic human rights and privileges. This document commences specific rights of individuals and the expectations of government, whom are subject to it. Australia is the only Western society without a Bill of Rights. Over the course of decades, politicians have suggested the adoption of a Bill of Rights, yet the government has contiuonly postponed. Since the time of Federation, the composers of the constitution did not recognise the necessity of a Bill of rights, as they believed the Consitution and the Australian law system would effectively protect human rights. Few basic human rights are already contained within the consitition, such as the 'right to religious freedom' and 'the right to trial by jury.' Due to the recent framework of Australia's Human Rights, the debate regarding the formation of one has heightened.
During April, 2010, the Attorney-General, Hon Robert McClelland, announced the launch of Australia's Human Rights Framework. The Framework consisted of five major actions to promote and protect human rights in Australia; Reaffirm, Educate, Engage, Protect, and Respect. The proposers believe that Australia should fuffil its international obligation under the seven United Nations treaties, which it has signed up to. These include:
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment
• Convention on the Rights of Child
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