The Politics of Human Rights in Australia

Front Cover
Cambridge University Press, May 28, 2009 - Political Science - 273 pages
Australia has traditionally lacked a strong 'rights' culture. While fairness and equality have been proudly exalted as trademarks of the national mindset, the authors of The Politics of Human Rights in Australia argue that these same characteristics may equate to a form of cultural complacency. The book offers the first comprehensive account of Australia's protection of human rights from a political science perspective. Addressing the key debates surrounding human rights in Australia, the authors ask: Why are voting rights so critical in the Australian context? Should Australia adopt a bill of rights in an 'age of terror'? What are Australia's responsibilities to global and regional refugee crises? How can reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians be facilitated? Written by three respected academics at the forefront of their fields, The Politics of Human Rights in Australia offers clarity and insight into the complex issues surrounding the human rights debate in Australia.
 

Contents

INTRODUCTION
1
Chapter One HUMAN RIGHTS
6
Chapter Two PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS
27
Chapter Three A BILL OF RIGHTS?
62
Chapter Four ELECTORAL RIGHTS IN AUSTRALIA
85
Chapter Five THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
117
Chapter Six GENDER AND SEXUALITY RIGHTS
154
Chapter Seven REFUGEES
194
Chapter Eight CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS IN AN AGE OF TERROR
221
NOTES
252
Index
258
Copyright

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About the author (2009)

Louise Chappell is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney. Dr John Chesterman is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology at the University of Melbourne. Lisa Hill is an Associate Professor in the School of History and Politics at the University of Adelaide.

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