Australia Called To Repeal Excessive Restrictions On Freedom Of Speech And Expression, Other Rights

Australia is being urged to repeal excessive limitations on rights such as freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. A new report to be considered by the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva also recommended that Australia should strengthen its legal protection of rights.

According to the International Service for Human Rights, the report contains a documentation of worsening trend of laws, policies and funding arrangements being used by federal and state governments. The policies limit free speech and assembly, criminalise the work of journalists. The new report is also based on input from Australia’s Human Rights Law Centre.

ISHR Director Phil Lynch said there is “a growing disconnect” between Australia and the world stage in promoting strong national human rights institutions and protection of journalists. The organisation believes Australia’s lack of legal protection for human rights has resulted in laws that restrict freedom of press and expression contrary to international human rights institutions.

One of the restrictive laws cited by ISHR is the Tasmanian Workplaces Act which criminalises protests that disrupt business operations. Another law it found limiting is the 2014 amendment to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act as it makes it illegal for to conduct “special intelligence operations.”

Emily Howie from the Human Rights Law Centre said the Australian government is destroying basic democratic rights that are fundamental in good governance and accountability. Aside from urging Australia to repeal excessive restrictions on basic laws, human rights advocates also call on the government to boost legal protection of rights.

Howie said the recent revelations of the Australian government requesting the Australian Federal Police to investigate journalists and uncover their sources for asylum seeker reports reflect the need for stronger protection laws. The Guardian reports that journalists covering the asylum seeker policies were being reported to federal police to identify the sources of their reports.

ISHR has also grown concerned at attempts to “defund and delegitimise” the Australian Human Rights Commission contrary to the government’s pledge to the international community. The UN Human Rights Council will formally consider the report when it convenes to review the country’s human rights record in Geneva in November.

To report problems or leave feedback on this article, contact: r.su@ibtimes.com.au