Do we need a human rights act?

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser will take part in an open community forum at UNSW on Monday, 1 June to discuss the need for human rights protections in Australia.

Australia is the only liberal democracy without a Human Rights Act. The Federal Government is currently wrapping up a national consultation process on the need for such protection in the form of a Bill of Rights. The deadline for submissions is 15 June.

Hosted by the UNSW Law Society in conjunction with Amnesty International UNSW, "Does Australia Need a Human Rights Act" is a community forum featuring a moderated panel of distinguished speakers. The forum will look at a range of issues from the experience of refugees, to the effects of the anti-terrorism laws, and the case for and against a formal codification of human rights in the Australian context.

Speakers include former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser; former President of the NSW Court of Appeal, Keith Mason; barrister for Dr Mohamed Haneef, Stephen Keim; and director of UNSW's Gilbert + Tobin Centre for Public Law's Charter of Human Rights Project, Ed Santow.

Moderating the event will be Gilbert + Tobin Centre for Public Law director, Andrew Lynch.

What: UNSW Speakers' Forum/Amnesty International expert panel - "Does Australia Need a Human Rights Act?" Where: The Law Theatre, G04, UNSW Kensington campus
When: Monday, 1 June, 6-8pm
Cost: Free. All welcome

RSVP: nswaia@amnesty.org.au (places are limited).Enquiries: speakersforum@unswlawsoc.org; amnesty@unsw.edu.au

For more information visit the UNSW Law Society website.

Media contact: Steve Offner, UNSW Media Office | 02 9385 8107 | 0424 580 208