[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Time for Action Not Rhetoric on Bill of Rights_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

TIME FOR BILL OF RIGHTS IS UPON US

Premier Should Have Given In-Principle Support

Nick McKim MP
Greens Opposition Leader

Thursday, 30 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the Premier's tentative support for
a Bill of Rights for Tasmania, but said that it is time for action
rather than the continued consideration that has been a hallmark of
Labor for many years.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute
had recommended the introduction of a Bill of Rights for Tasmania over a
year ago, and said that rather than saying that he is '...interested in
looking further at a Bill of Rights for Tasmania', Mr Bartlett should
have fully committed to its introduction.

"The time for more contemplation is past and the time for action is upon
us," Mr McKim said.

"We would have preferred to see the Premier give in-principle commitment
to a Bill of Rights rather than request yet more consideration by his
Attorney-General, but any progress is batter than none."

"Tasmania should have had a Bill of Rights years ago, and if we had then
maybe some of the more draconian legislation that has been passed by the
Tasmanian Parliament, such as anti-terrorism legislation, may not now be
law."

The Tasmania Greens have previously tabled legislation in the House of
Assembly to create a Bill of Rights in Tasmania.

"The Greens' Bill would have ensured that Tasmanian laws are interpreted
in a way that respects and protects human rights, and required the
government examine and report on the compatibility of all government
legislation with agreed human rights standards."





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