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Public forum in Melbourne
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Civil Rights Network
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Nov 21, 2005 14:04 PST
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The effect of the Anti-Terror Laws on our way of life
Public Forum: Free Admission
Sunday 27th November, 5.45pm Trades Hall, Melbourne
Speakers include:
The Hon Lyn Allison, Senator for Victoria, Leader of the Australian
Democrats
Mr Joo-Cheong Tham, Law lecturer at Melbourne University, Member of the
Victorian Council for Civil Liberties
Mr Kim Gleeson, Founder the Universal Rights Network
Rev. Dr Wes Campbell, Uniting Church Minister & Theologian
Dr Judith Buckrich , Chair, International PEN Women Writers¡¦ Committee,
Vice President, Melbourne Centre of PEN
Convened by Dr Michael Ellis, Centre For Change
Agenda
The new anti-terrorism legislation has implications for the free flow
information in society and expression of the truth.
„h The restriction of human rights by anti-terrorism legislation.
„h Are the new laws necessary? How will they restrict human rights? Will
these laws lead to a closed and restricted society?
„h The Legal Perspective: Anti-terrorism laws and the need for a Bill of
Rights
„h The Medical Perspective: Anti-terrorism laws and the effect on the
social determinants of health
„h The Educational Perspective: What implications do these laws have on
teaching in schools, colleges and universities? What can and cannot be
taught?
„h The Media Perspective - Media and the truth. Is there an openness of
dialogue between
More and more Australians are deeply troubled about the unprecedented
powers contained in the Federal Government¡¦s draft anti-terrorism
legislation. Powers include, an expanded definition of sedition, house
arrest, wearing of tracking devices, detention of juveniles and
restrictions on media expression. These laws will give police
unprecedented detention and search powers and also expand the
government¡¦s power to ban organisations and prosecute Australians who
politically dissent. The anti-terrorism legislation has significant
implications for human rights and powerful social, legal and public
health ramifications for all Australians. Never before has such an
important piece of legislation been presented to the Parliament with
such little scrutiny and public discussion and a cult of fear has been
imbedded in the public conscience.
This forum is being held to discuss the implications of the
anti-terrorism legislation on all facets of society and culture. Freedom
of expression is imperative to the social, medical and economic health
of a well-functioning society. These laws have the propensity to create
a closed society in which people cannot speak the truth for fear of
retribution and minority groups face social exclusion.
Following this forum a statement will be presented to the Federal and
State Government asking policy makers to preserve the true nature of
democracy in Australia.
Venue address:
New Council Chambers, Victorian Trades Hall Council, 54 Victoria Street,
Carlton Sth (Cnr Lygon St.)
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