Australian Democrats

The Democrats’ policy on constitutional reform includes support for a Charter of Human Rights.

For the Democrats’ role in attempts to introduce a federal Charter of Human Rights, see the History of a Charter of Human Rights in Australia resource page.

Speeches and comments by members of the Democrats on a Charter of Human Rights include:

	South Australian MP Sandra Kanck, ‘Australian Fight for a Bill of Rights’, SBS Radio (21 Sept 2004)
	Senator Brian Greig, ‘Political Leadership on a Bill of Rights’, Bill of Rights Conference, 21 June 2002
	Senator Brian Greig, ‘Nothing to fear in Charter of Rights’, Canberra Times (23 August 2001)

A recent press release by Senator Natasha Stott Despoja warns both major parties not to dismiss a Charter of Rights by over-simplifying the debate.

See the Web Writings on Bills of Rights in Australia resource page for further comments by members of the Democrats such as Natasha Stott-Despoja.

Australian Labor Party

The ALP’s National Platform and Constitution 2004 includes a commitment to introducing a legislative Charter of Citizenship and Aspiration. It also supports constitutional reform to achieve a comprehensive recognition of the rights enjoyed by all Australians.

The ALP’s 2004 election platform, which includes a national plan to protect and strengthen human rights in Australia does not make specific reference to a Charter of Human Rights.

For the ALP’s role in past attempts to introduce a federal Charter of Human Rights, see the History of a Charter of Human Rights in Australia resource page.

Speeches and comments by members of the ALP on a Charter of Human Rights include:

	Nicola Roxon: see webcast of ‘Ruddock v Roxon: The Great Legal Debate’ (21 Sept 2004)
	Carmen Lawrence, ‘Ban indefinite detention: Lawrence’, The Age (12 Aug 2004)
	Carmen Lawrence, ‘Ideas to save our withering democracy’, University of WA (7 August 2003)
	Premier Bob Carr, ‘How a bill of rights lays a trap’, Canberra Times (20 August 2001)

At the 2007 ALP National Conference, Senator Joseph Ludwig moved a platform which committed to a public inquiry about how best to recognize and protect the human rights and freedoms of all Australians. The text of the platform is available here.

See the Web Writings on Bills of Rights in Australia resource page for further writing/speeches by members of the ALP such as Premier Bob Carr and Robert McClelland.

Greens

The Australian Greens’ policy on Constitutional Reform and Democracy includes a commitment to working towards a Charter of Human Rights..

The website of Michael Organ, Greens MP for Cunningham, sets out the Green’s position in further detail, and also includes a draft Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Bill which he plans to introduce into Federal Parliament as a private member’s bill.

Statements in support of a Charter of Rights have also been made by the Queensland and WA branches of the Greens.
 

Liberal Party of Australia

The Liberal Party’s policy platform does not include a Charter of Human Rights.

Speeches and comments by members of the Liberal Party on a Charter of Human Rights include:

	Attorney-General Phillip Ruddock: see webcast of ‘Ruddock v Roxon: The Great Legal Debate’ (21 Sept 2004)
	Prime Minister John Howard, Address at Ceremonial Sitting to mark the Centenary of the High Court of Australia (6 October 2003)
	Former Attorney General Daryl Williams, ‘Against Constitutional Cringe: The Protection of Human Rights in Australia’, Australian Conference on Bill of Rights (21 June 2002)
	Daniel Landon, ‘Stefaniak against a Bill of Rights’, Canberra Times (24 August 2001)
	Former Attorney-General Daryl Williams speaks on National Law Week, 13 May 2001

For further comments by Bill Stefaniak MLA (ACT) see the Bills of Responsibilities resource page.

See the Web Writings on a Charter of Human Rights in Australia resource page for further comments by current and former liberal party members such as Malcolm Fraser, Ross Lightfoot and Daryl Williams.