Commentary
One of the main arguments for the enactment of a national Bill of Rights in Australia is that they are effective mechanisms to protect fundamental human rights.
For example, Craig Kelly, who lost his parliamentary seat in the last federal election, believes that a national Bill of Rights would “protect the rights of all Australians,” including the right to choose their medical treatment and to preserve freedom of speech.
“When elected to government, the first matter on the agenda … will be the enactment of an Australian Bill of Rights,” he said.
His concerns are entirely understandable. As a constitutional law academic, I am appalled to see the governments in Australia often using their powers to excessively coerce, obstruct or otherwise unreasonably interfere with the life, liberty, movement, and property of the citizen….