NSW group launches the case for a charter of rights
Australia is the only democracy without a bill or charter of right. But changes are happening below the federal level. The Australian Capital Territory is the first territory to have one, and at a state level, Victoria recently got one. And now, a group in NSW wants to join them. A bill of rights or charter of rights is supposed to guard against incidents such as the unlawful detention of Cornelia Rau, the denial of rights to David Hicks and even against legislative excesses brought about by Australia’s anti-terror laws. And today a group lobbying for the implementation of a charter of rights, the NSW Charter Group, had its official launch at the NSW State parliament. The group’s spokesperson, Michelle Burrell discussed whether the community was calling for such a document.