2011
Note considerable editing is still necessary on this document!
1. Commissioner for children and young people
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ into Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People Bill 2010, we made the following points. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
responsibility, particularly towards the helpless or
vulnerable ones. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Commissioner for Children and Young People, as research shows that among OECD countries Australia is below average in child-well-being measures. There are hundreds of children of asylum seekers who are in detention centres, and many children suffer as victims of cyber-bullying for which there is no adequate protection.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ obligations as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We believe the Commissioner should have the power to formulate a national policy of protection and have it incorporated into law with equal coverage across Australia. It should deal with issues of homelessness, violence and bullying at home and school, mental illness and access to justice.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ education against corporal punishment of children as a means of disciplining, prior to legislating against it.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ gay and lesbian teenagers. Educational and support networks are needed for some of the families involved and the community in general.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ better and fairer Australia through policy and legislative means.
NB: We received notice of receipt of this submission and of ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ as Submission Number 7.
1. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ points. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
range of age-related penalties. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-
discrimination law would effectively grant protection to a
type of bullying. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
People be empowered to initiate legal means to protect
young people from all forms of bullying. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
homophobic and cyber bullying and have compulsory counselling for both bullies and victims, such as restorative practice and mediation.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ scheme obliging all teachers.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-bullying programs should be mandatory within school curricula at all levels. Respect for diversity and compassion and tolerance for others should be key issues in life-skills education within the Australian National Curriculum.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ bullying and engage in public education campaign to raise public awareness of consequences and solutions to bullying
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ issue of bullying and resulting suicide.
Copies to the PM, Peter Garrett, Chris Evans, Jenny Macklin and Sarah Hanson-Young. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
2. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ main points. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
right and an important determinant of quality of life. We strongly support the proposal to fund non-religious ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ state schools.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ promoting and funding of chaplains in public schools. It is discriminatory and violates Australian Constitution (Section 116).
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ministries) train chaplains and instruct them to reach ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ of the job.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ opinions or practices and we regard this as an important aspect of education.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ systems to engender tolerance and understanding of others and to foster social cohesion.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ psychology, crisis management and available support services. They are required to upgrade their skills periodically. Chaplains are not required to do so and there are no provisions for evaluating their performance.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ financial constraints; we urge that properly trained secular welfare officers be installed in State schools.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Submission feedback
1. In anticipation of a conscience vote in the parliament re euthanasia (via The Rights of the Terminally Ill Act of the Northern Territory), we wrote to 12 Victorian Senators (see report in Dec VH ). We urged them to support the legislation of VE. The debate was deferred till later in 2011. So far four of the Senators responded, Jacinta Collins, David Feeney, Scott Ryan and Michael Ronaldson. All opposed VE in short statements or lengthy explanations.
2. In a letter to the Prime Minister we recommended Mr Julian Burnside (AHOY 2009) for membership of the expert panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians. The response came from the office of the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Hon. Jenny Macklin MP. We were thanked for our interest and support of this issue, ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ referendum in this term of office or at the next election. The expert panel has already been selected from many nominations and comprises Indigenous leaders, legal experts, federal MPs and community leaders. HSV is invited to join in the national debate and contribute further.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
To the federal review for funding for schooling we made the following main points.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣tunities as a matter of great importance and congratulate the govern- ment on inquiring into equity between public and private school systems.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ educational outcomes and the lack of balance in school funding.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ is in direct proportion to the available funding. While two- thirds of students attend government schools, twice as much funding was provided to non-government schools in 2007␣2008.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ disproportionately in public schools. It seems that the Australian government has passed this problem to State and Territory governments whilst maintaining privilege for the private school sector.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-for-profit organisations supporting schools. We oppose commercial involvement in school activities.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ system that is needs-␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ outcomes for all rather than the present State and Territory ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-class education for all Australians is the g␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣d goal, then it must allocate much more money and eliminate entrenched inequalities between advantaged and disadvantaged schools and students.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ opportunities for their children but we ask the government to mandate a universal funding and curriculum across all schools .e.g. religious schools should not be permitted to insert creationism into their science teaching or present only one view on complex ethical issues. Public funding for education demands teaching of pluralist views to promote tolerance and social cohesion.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ into schools at great public expense, as a denial of rights of the many parents who wish their children to have a secular and pluralist education and ask that the practice be revoked.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ allocating federal funds by socio-economic status is heavily biased in favour of private schools and creates an ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ legislation provides the right to extra tuition if needed and ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ differences in the social background of students and a way ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
We ask the Australian Government to enact similar legislation to redress inequality.
Mary Bergin, Geoff Allshorn, Halina Strnad
1. To the inquiry into Organ Donations in Victoria we made the following points in answer to specific questions. ␣␣␣Humanists regard the act of organ and tissue
donation as an altruistic, humanitarian promotion of
well-being. ␣␣␣We suggest that the State and Territory legislations
on organ donations be streamlined into a uniform,
national system governing this health service. ␣␣␣A national public education campaign involving all
media could aid in increasing the low rate of donations in Australia. It could address some misconceptions ␣ e.g. the age limit for donors or their health status ␣ and stress the value of organs for transplantation research.
␣␣␣We support the use of the Australian Organ Donor Register established in 2005, ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ documented opposition to donation) such as those in Austria or Spain. Our Register contains consents and objections easily checked at all times. We suggest this should be periodically adjusted, noting changes in commitment as donor and health matters relevant to being a safe organ donor.
␣␣␣Regular blood donors receive an attractive badge. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ be an organ donor might enhance participation in this service.
␣␣␣A symbol ␣ like the daffodil for cancer research ␣ adopted for organ donation and featured in popular events would keep the issue of organ donation in the public mind. Celebrities and prominent members of society could join in advocating this life-giving gift.
␣␣␣We acknowledge the difficult ethical issues at the ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣nnel involved in organ donations should have received specialised training and a set of guidelines. Bereavement counselling should be offered to relatives of the deceased. We enclose a copy of the recommendations issued by the National Health and Medical Research Centre in 2005.
␣␣␣We oppose the recommendation that ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ held objection by the family should be respected even if it is in conflict with the known intentions of ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣of the firm belief that a ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ at all times. Divergent beliefs are common among members of the same family. They deserve respect but not the right to oppose the documented wishes of the organ donor.
␣␣␣We suggest that at registration donors be issued with an information brochure on the role of families, so as to facilitate discussions with the next-of-kin about respecting their wishes.
␣␣␣Generous funding is required for this service and the publicity to obtain an increase in rates of donations.
Halina Strnad
2. Re: Anti-discrimination exemptions letter sent to Victorian Attorney-General, MPs and newspaper editors we made the following points.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ti- discrimination legislation which proposes to allow religious organisations to discriminate against certain groups and individuals.
␣␣␣The HSV is repeatedly on record in support of human rights, racial and religious tolerance, respect for diversity and against bigotry.
␣␣␣Discrimination is wrong because a) it condones abuse of human rights for
different people in the name of religion, b) it creates different classes of human rights for
different in our community, c) it is a retrograde step in our efforts to foster a
cohesive society with equal opportunities for
all. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ detail of any proposed changes to the
Victorian anti-discrimination legislation. ␣␣␣We expect that as Attorney-General you will ensure that the law provides full and equal opportunities for
all Victorians at all times.
Geoff Allshorn, Stephen Stuart
3. On the education of gifted and talented students we made the following points to the Victorian Parliament (in answer to specific questions).
␣␣␣We support A. J. ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣tential of becoming a critical performer or exemplary producer of ideas in spheres of activity which enhance the moral, physical, emotional, social, intellectual or aesthetic life of the comm␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣We believe that such students should be placed in mainstream setting and not in segregated areas which would be detrimental to both talented and the ordinary in terms of self-image and concepts of society.
␣␣␣Students should not regard talents and gifts as the paramount values in life. Development of the person involves the sense of social responsibility and relating to others with tolerance and sympathy.
␣␣␣Students offered enrichment programs have accelerated skills development but this should not take them out of their peer group.
␣␣␣Additional resources and flexible teaching in the mainstream should satisfy the needs of all students. We applaud the policies of the Education Depart- ment to recognize the special needs within the curriculum to cater for different individual abilities.
Stephen Stuart, Meg Paul et al.
1. In a letter to the Prime Minister we made the following points on same-sex marriage. Copies sent to 13 MPs.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ts support same-sex marriage and regard equality and universality in the application of the law as essential human right.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ people are treated equally and fairly under the law: this is currently not the case.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ constituents. Recent opinion polls show that a majority of Australians support the principle of same-sex marriage
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ the moral and legal obligation to shed archaic and discriminatory traditions. A campaign of public education against homophobia would remove vestiges of objections and would testify to our more enlightened, modern times.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣overnment to legalise marriage for same-sex couples as the present ban contradicts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with Australia a signatory for over sixty years.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Stephen Stuart, Geoff Allshorn
2. In a letter on Anti-discrimination exemptions to Victorian Attorney-General, MPs and newspaper editors we made the following points:
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣- discrimination legislation which proposes to allow religious organisations to discriminate against certain groups and individuals.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ rights, racial and religious tolerance, respect for diversity and against bigotry.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights covenants to which we are signatory.
b) It condones abuse of human rights for different people in the name of religion.
c) It creates different classes of human rights for different people in our community.
d) It is a retrograde step in our efforts to foster a cohesive society with equal opportunities for all.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ed for details of any proposed changes to the Victorian anti-discrimination legislation.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-General you will ensure that the law provides full and equal opportunities for all Victorians at all times.
Geoff Allshorn, Stephen Stuart
3. To the inquiry into the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities we made the following main points in answer to questions.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣rights regarding the child, economic, social and cultural rights, the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and all other rights stated in international covenants and conventions.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-determination, in particular for ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ person.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ authorities for their human rights compliance and the reports should be published.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ restorative justice practices and compensations upon violation of human rights, such remedies to be available to all regardless of their financial or social status.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ binding on State and local governments and on statutory authorities.
␣␣␣␣ublic education about human rights has been inadequate so far, and this should be remedied.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ abuses of human rights and we urge that scrutiny and transparency be requested from the private sector.
Stephen Stuart
4. In a letter to the Victorian Attorney-General we made the following points on seeking community opinion on sentencing.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-selected online polling by a newspaper will attract extreme views and therefore produce
biased results.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ credibly gauge public opinion, though this may not be well informed.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ a discussion paper by legal experts, followed by calls for submissions.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-making on sentencing is best dealt with by
legal experts. ___________________________________________
Rosslyn Ives , Stephen Stuart
3. To the inquiry into the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities we made the following main points in answer to questions.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣rights regarding the child, economic, social and cultural rights, the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and all other rights stated in international covenants and conventions.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-determination, in particular for ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ person.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ authorities for their human rights compliance and the reports should be published.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ restorative justice practices and compensations upon violation of human rights, such remedies to be available to all regardless of their financial or social status.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ binding on State and local governments and on statutory authorities.
␣␣␣␣ublic education about human rights has been inadequate so far, and this should be remedied.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ abuses of human rights and we urge that scrutiny and transparency be requested from the private sector.
Stephen Stuart
4. In a letter to the Victorian Attorney-General we made the following points on seeking community opinion on sentencing.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-selected online polling by a newspaper will attract extreme views and therefore produce biased results.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ credibly gauge public opinion, though this may not be well informed.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ a discussion paper by legal experts, followed by calls for submissions.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-making on sentencing is best dealt with by
legal experts. ___________________________________________
Rosslyn Ives , Stephen Stuart
1. A Joint Select Committee was established to ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ Network. We made the following main points to the terms of reference.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣d humane assessment of health and refugee status, all applications to be processed within 3 months of arrival, released into community-based accommodation.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ released into our society. Prolonged incarceration damages their health and welfare. We regret that last ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-owned, vacant properties were not accepted. Community- based housing is less expensive, meets international human-rights principles, promotes education and integration, alleviates racist and xenophobic fears, and enriches local economies.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ private providers has been shown to be inappropriate. These guards are trained to deal with criminals and not with vulnerable, traumatised ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣, in ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ transparency of their operations.
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣-harm are obvious signs of total despair of people who feel condemned, ignored and without hope. Mental-health strategies should be implemented for the inmates and staff who find their task distressing. Media reports report stress among staff who deal with suicides and self-harm on a daily basis.
␣␣␣␣␣␣urity assessment must be unbiased and adhere to human-rights standards. We do not believe ASIO is adhering to these principles. Regrettably some asylum seekers have been returned to their place of origin where they have been executed or ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ inhumane treatment of the refugees. That country is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention and is known for its harsh ways with refugees.
Geoff Allshorn & Halina Strnad
2. A letter was sent to Heritage Victoria supporting the retention of Brenan Hall, 29 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, as an example of early freethought Science Hall.
HSV members celebrated the centenary of this former Science Hall opening on 12 May 1989, with a visit during the day and a dinner the same evening. A brief account by Nigel Sinnott of this building appeared in AH ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ A␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
3. HSV responded to an invitation from a representative of the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) to study a draft curriculum entitled Ethical Behaviour, prepared by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) for the national curriculum. In all I there were three sessions with school principals in Melbourne University and philosophy teachers and also a personal meeting with the VCAA representative at the VCAA building itself.
In addition the ACARA draft was circulated and six members made comments, which were combined in final submission. Hence HSV has been well and truly consulted on Ethics.
The ACARA draft on the internet and comprised (a) a Conceptual Statement with references to text books, ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ headings and (c) a tabulated summary under those headings for grades to Years 2, 6 and 10, respectively. It is still not clear whether the course material will be made a single topic throughout each year or whether the content ideas will be interspersed within other topics, which is probably the better approach.
The HSV members found much to praise in the
ACARA draft. Its tone was convincingly secular and
several of the authorities cited were Australian, of
whom HSV itself has extensively used Philip Cam in
his Philosophy with Young Children ␣ a Classroom
Handbook and Peter Singer in his Companion to
Ethics␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣to
become confident and creative individuals and active
and informed citizens through fostering the
development of personal values and attributes such as
honesty, resilience, empathy and respect for others and
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
The main HSV reservations were (a) in the title,
Ethical Behaviour, for which we preferred either
␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣
normative, and (b) the sources were confined to
western philosophers and we recommended inclusion
of eastern philosophers. Harry Gardner _____________________________________________________________
Rosslyn Ives
1. To a panel considering Constitutional Recognition of Australia’s Indigenous Peoples we submitted as follows to a series of questions for invited responses.
● Victorian Humanists congratulate the Prime
Minister on initiating the project. We convey best
wishes to the panel on this important task.
● Constitutional recognition of the First Australians is
long overdue and should be stated in the body of this
document and also mentioned in the preamble.
● We strongly support,
- acknowledgement of prior ownership and custodianship of land, distinct culture and heritage;
- the addition of statement of values such as racial and gender equality, personal freedoms, the rule of law, respect for diversity, equal opportunities and democratic governance – being of particular importance in the absence of a national bill of rights;
- the removal of Sections 25 and 51(xxvi) to clear our Constitution of these racist statements;
- the creation in the Constitution of a guarantee of racial equality in Australia.
● The Federal Government should have powers to
redress historical disadvantage. It should enact
protection for the culture and heritage of the First
Australians. We believe positive discrimination
towards the disadvantaged is a mark of a civilised
society.
● Having signed the UN Declaration of the Rights of
the Indigenous People, we should include a
summary of these rights in our Constitution.
● We would like to see a formal treaty with
Australia’s Indigenous people, such as exists in NZ,
US and Canada and other countries.
Halina Strnad
2. Following our letter in February to the Prime Minister on bullying in Australia (VH March), we received an encour-aging response, dated 4 May as follows, from the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Hon. Peter Garrett. He thanked the Society for writing on this important matter.
The Australian Government fully realized that students need safe, supportive and respectful environments. The National Professional Standards for Teachers, released on 9 February, required teachers to ‘create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments’ (www.aitsl.edu.au/ta/go). The minister launched a revised National Safe Schools Framework on 18 March, which includes a response to cyber bullying, declaring a National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (www.safeschools.deewr.gov.au). The Government had worked with State education authorities to produce online resources to help bullied students and bystanders of bullying (www.bullyingnoway.com.au; www.takeastandtogether.gov.au). The national curriculum which was being developed included ‘general capabilities’ that specifically relate to student wellbeing; public comment and consultation were welcomed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment & Reporting Authority (www.acara.edu.au). The National School Chaplaincy Program was intended to help ‘provide greater pastoral care, personal advice and support to all students and staff, and positively contribute to their wellbeing’.
The Government had invested $276.9 million over four years to address the tragedy of suicide (Department of Health & Ageing), including $65.9 million to promote resilience in young people and prevent suicide. In addition $175.8 million was announced in the 2010 Budget to focus on youth friendly services such as the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre model. The Commonwealth Department of Education contributed to a recent government round-table on youth suicide prevention.
There was a strong legislative framework protecting all people in Australia from unlawful discrimination and harassment, both at Commonwealth level – Age Discrimination Act 2004, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 – and at State and Territory level. There was a bill before the Senate to amend the Sex Discrimination Act by extending the prohibition on sexual harassment of students. The Government was committed to introducing protection from discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. It was committed to appointing an Age Discrimination Commissioner who would advocate on behalf of young people, and was considering a potential Children’s Commissioner as part of the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children (Dept. of Families etc.).
Stephen Stuart
