The Wire

Human Rights activists have expressed support for a NSW government plan to set up a “charter of rights”, which would ensure basic human rights like fair trials and freedom of assembly. NSW Attorney general Bob Debus says he’ll put the proposal to cabinet shortly and invite public comment. The charter would mean any proposed legislation would be tested to see if it undermined minimum standards for civil liberties. The NSW suggestion follows similar moves in Victoria and Tasmania, while the Australian Capital Territory already has one. Robin Banks from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre supports a new charter of rights and she spoke to The Wire.