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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
2014 WACOSS Conference
The title of this morning’s session is ‘Recognition of Aboriginal people in the Constitution and the possibility of Aboriginal advancement’. Without a doubt, I see constitutional recognition as a pathway for advancement. I have said again and again, that is it is a real nation building opportunity and the benefits will extend to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Australians alike. It is a journey that will mark our maturity as an inclusive, just nation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Australian Politics and Human Rights Lecture
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about politics and human rights. As you would know there is a lot of discussion about human rights in the political debate at the moment, which is a great thing because human rights is not something that many Australian’s feel is relevant to them.
Rights and Freedoms
The freedom wars and the future of human rights in Australia
Address to the National Press Club, Canberra
Rights and Freedoms
Free speech, the public service and civilising behaviour
Before anyone screams "free speech", they should actually know what they are talking about. Earlier this week the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet released new social media protocols. The protocols limit the capacity of public servants to make statements that are "harsh or extreme in their...
LGBTIQ+
SDA Amendments
Australian Public Service Human Rights Network Acknowledgements Good afternoon. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet – the Ngambri people - and their elders past and present. Thank you David Fredricks for the introduction. It’s a pleasure for me to...
Rights and Freedoms
Speaking freely goes to the heart of individual dignity - Opinion Piece
Arguing that old rich white men have too much power is just a backdoor attempt at censorship, writes Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, in an opinion piece first published on 5 April 2014 in The Australian.
Rights and Freedoms
Queensland Law Society Mandatory Sentencing Policy Paper Launch
Acknowledgements Thank you for your kind introduction. I would like to begin by acknowledging the Turrbal People, the traditional owners of the lands on which we are meeting today. I would also like to acknowledge: The Honourable Justice, Margaret McMurdo AC Queensland Law Society President, Ian...
Rights and Freedoms
Free speech is best medicine for the bigotry disease
THE proposed amendments to the Racial Discrimination Act provide the basis for correcting the legal limits of free speech, Âpromoting pluralism, opposing reprehensible racism and highlighting the importance of Âresponsibility. Arguably the most important change is assessing an 18C violation based on...
Age Discrimination
Age Discrimination, the new challenge for teachers
1. Introduction Thank you for your introduction, and I thank the NSW Teachers Federation for inviting me to speak to you today. I start by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land upon which we meet today, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and pay my respects to elders both past and...
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
We can't 'outsource' our moral obligations to these people
Events on Manus Island have graphically and tragically brought to the attention of the Australian public the inappropriateness of the current arrangements for the regional processing of asylum seekers. I have been troubled by the loss of life and the injury that has occurred on Manus Island over this...
Rights and Freedoms
Why I’ll take the approach of a classical liberal to human rights
As Human Rights Commissioner I want to promote a culture of rights and responsibilities so that every Australian understands their rights and confidently stands up for them against government encroachment. Because human rights are a political construct, there are numerous ways that they can be...
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Close the Gap 2014 Parliamentary Breakfast
Speech by Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner and Kirstie Parker, National Congress of Australia's First Peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
We need to fix the Constitution, says Social Justice Commissioner
Rights and Freedoms
Freedoms versus anti-discrimination laws? A false debate
Responsibility, anti-discrimination laws, human rights and freedoms - these words have been at the center of an ideological debate about how to protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom from detention without trial. But if we are serious about...
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