SYMPOSIUM: Manning Clark House Day of Ideas 2005

Manning Clark House

in association with the Holmes à Court Gallery

and

the Institute of Advanced Studies at The University of Western Australia

present

DAY OF IDEAS 2005

A Human Rights Act for Australia?

Welcome Dinner: Friday 2 September, 7.30pm at Lamont's Restaurant

Speakers include:

*Julian Burnside QC

*Karen Brown

*Andrew Clark

*Greg Craven

*Natalie Hepburn, UWA Guild President *John Menadue

*Jim McGinty MLA, Attorney General

*Spencer Zifcak



Australia is the only Western country that does not have a Human Rights Act or equivalent. A campaign launched by New Matilda sets out to change this. In August 2005, New Matilda is launching a national campaign to promote a Human Rights Act for Australia. The initial aim is to produce with the input of experts and the broader community a statutory Human Rights Bill that embodies Australia's international human rights obligations. With significant public support generated through our consultations we hope to persuade the major political parties to adopt it as part of their policy platforms. Their goal is to have the community endorsed Human Rights Bill debated in the Federal Parliament within 12 months from its launch.

Australia is a signatory to the UN's two principal human rights covenants, but has been found by the UN to have breached international obligations in a range of areas including mandatory detention and the protection of its indigenous peoples. It seems likely that our anti-terrorism legislation may also transgress these obligations. Without specific Australian legislation embodying the provisions of the international covenants, these breaches remain lawful.

NewMatilda.com delivers a weekly online magazine to subscribers, generating topical analysis and debate, and gives you the opportunity to have a say in developing policy.For more information visit New Matilda at www.newmatilda.com

The audience will be invited to ask questions and engage in discussion. The purpose of the day is to allow for the raising and sharing of important ideas.

Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea will be served.

Costs: Welcome Dinner at Lamont's Restaurant $100

Day of Ideas Registration Full $45

Day of Ideas Registration Concession $40

Please visit www.ias.uwa.edu.au for more information and online registration.