Australia's Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson, will visit suburban, regional and remote areas around Australia in the coming months to ask Australians what they think about rights and freedoms.
The Commissioner's Rights & Responsibilities 2014 tour runs from August to December 2014. The first public forum is scheduled for Adelaide on 2 September.
"This consultation is designed to generate positive and constructive conversations about human rights in Australia, where there are challenges and how they can best be protected," Commissioner Wilson said.
"I am interested in meeting with individuals and groups including local councils and chambers of commerce, small business associations, sporting clubs and associations, and community organisations such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Country Women's Association," Commissioner Wilson said.
"We need to broaden the discussion beyond current debates and talk about freedom of expression, religion and association, and the right to property.
"Free speech, worship, association and property rights are central to the autonomy and dignity of every Australian to participate in our liberal democracy, society and economy.
"It is important that we discuss how these rights operate in Australia. We need a national conversation about the responsibilities associated with these rights, and how we can best promote and protect these rights and freedoms."
The Commissioner's tour follows the Australian Human Rights Commission's Free Speech 2014 Symposium, held in Sydney on 7 August 2014.
"The symposium and consultation tour will help us identify the issues and provide a roadmap for reform," Commissioner Wilson said.
For more information visit http://www.humanrights.gov.au/rights2014
Media contact: Angela Dorizas (02) 9284 9891 or 0419 258 597
No comments:
Post a Comment