Legal debate over Bill of Rights

Victoria has just adopted one but what could Queensland gain out of having its own Bill of Rights?

Human rights and constitutional academics and experts will debate the question “Should Queensland have a Bill of Rights?” at a free public discussion hosted by UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law in Brisbane on Friday night.

Debate starts at 5.30pm in the Banco Court in the Supreme Court of Queensland, George Street.

UQ Professor James Allan from the Law School will chair the evening’s debate.

Professor Allan said Bill of Rights proponents would argue that judges should formally protect people’s rights while opponents would argue to keep the status quo.

He said both sides would draw on experiences in New Zealand, Canada, the UK and US.

Human rights and international law expert Professor Hilary Charlesworth and constitutional lawyer Professor
George Williams will argue the case for a Bill of Rights in Queensland.

Canadian human rights expert Professor Grant Huscroft and John Curtin Institute of Public Policy executive director Professor Greg Craven will argue the case against a Bill of Rights for Queensland.

The debate is free with refreshments afterwards.

Seating is limited and registration is required.

Visit www.law.uq.edu.au/bill-of-rights or email Trisha Barbour t.barbour@law.uq.edu.au

MEDIA: Mrs Barbour (3365 8597) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (3365 2619)