The Wire

Australia’s new Attorney-general, Robert McClelland, plans to sign a landmark charter enshrining the rights and responsibilities of the nation’s legislators. For the first time, Parliament will be required to respect rights, such as freedom of the press, and responsibilities. Such as protection of the environment or the need to respect minorities, rural Australians and the disabled. But don’t be expecting constitutional reform. Unlike the US Bill of Rights, an Australian charter would not be included in the constitution and could be repealed at any time by Parliament. While defenders of human rights are welcoming the move, critics say, such charters are too open to interpretation and may actually result in a reduction of freedoms. The Wire spoke to two Constitutional Law Experts to gage the pros and cons of the reform.