|PIC1|The former NSW premier was the keynote speaker on religious freedom, religious vilification and charters of rights at a FamilyVoice Australia forum in the NSW Parliament House theatrette.
But why would Labor's Bob Carr bother to share the stage with Liberal MP Greg Smith (NSW shadow attorney-general) and Anglican Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen? The answer became clear as each expressed deep concerns about an Australia governed by unelected, politicised judges – rather than democratic parliaments which are accountable to the people.
"Charter advocates say we need a charter of rights because Australia is the only Western nation without one," Mr Carr said. "But in the UK, which adopted a charter in 1998, 'rights' is now a dirty word. It has been sullied by criminal lawyers because the charter of rights gives them a last throw of the dice. Australia, without a charter, is one of the freest nations in the world."
Greg Smith said: "Our common law, and statutes passed by parliament, are the best protection of our human rights."
Phillip Jensen said the debate on charters of rights "is not just a matter of party politics; it is really important for religion."
Bob Carr urged all Australians to write a letter to the federal government's human rights consultation headed by Fr Frank Brennan, opposing a bill of rights (humanrightsconsultation@ag.gov.au ). The deadline for submissions is 15 June 2009.
Rev Steve Estherby of Wollongong, who will commence as NSW state officer for FamilyVoice Australia in June, thanked the speakers for their clear presentation of the issues and their encouragement to participate in the public debate.