-
The question of conscientious objection in the voluntary assisted dying debate
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) has been legal in countries such as Switzerland and the Netherlands for more than a decade. In Australia, aside from a brief introduction by the Northern Territory in 1995 that was quickly overruled by conflicting federal legislation, VAD remained illegal in every Australian jurisdiction until 2017.
-
‘All in this together’: Similarity, difference, or none of the above?
Today marks what the United Nations calls ‘International Human Solidarity Day’. The idea of solidarity across borders is appealing, particularly in light of the many global crises that challenge the enjoyment of human rights. But can we conceptualise solidarity in a manner which enables it to go beyond mere rhetoric? Does it (or can it)…
-
COVID vaccination mandates do not contravene Australia’s human rights laws
By AAP FactCheck, expert commentary by Maria O’Sullivan and others WHAT WAS CLAIMED COVID-19 vaccination mandates are at odds with the 1986 Human Rights Commission Act OUR VERDICT False. Experts say the legislation in question does not have any relevance to vaccine mandates in Australia. Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) senator Gerard Rennick says there are human…
-
If you don’t have a COVID vaccination certificate, could you be banned from restaurants, shops and theatres?
By Maria O’Sullivan Vaccine passports are an increasingly likely proposition in Australia. Last week, national cabinet “welcomed” a new COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate, which will be made available through the Medicare app or myGov. This week, government services minister Linda Reynolds confirmed Australians who have had two doses would be able to access a certificate. Australians are…
-
Go for a run and raise money for human rights!
Are you entering this year’s Melbourne Marathon Festival on 14 October? The event includes not just the marathon but a half marathon, 10km and 5km runs and a 3km walk. Monash University has kindly helped us to create a fundraising page that allows your friends to sponsor you, with all money raised going towards the…
-
Abolish the Joint Committee on Human Rights? We should be strengthening it instead…
By Adam Fletcher Last week, Coalition members of the Commonwealth Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights called for the Committee’s abolition. In scrutinising the potential effects of their government’s legislation on various groups, the MPs allege that the Committee has “‘elevate[d] the rights of deadbeat dads and child sex offenders’ while failing to consider the…
Castan Centre for Human Rights Law 
You must be logged in to post a comment.