Critical Perspectives on Human Rights Law in Australia, Volume 2, along with its companion Volume 1, provides a comprehensive, accessible and scholarly examination of many of the key human rights issues facing Australia today. Written for human rights and legal scholars, legal practitioners and those readers who wish to increase their understanding of the field, these two volumes collectively provide a timely and engaging discussion of the laws and policies impacting on the enjoyment of human rights in contemporary Australia.
The editors, both distinguished human rights scholars, have compiled contributions from leading and emerging Australian experts in human rights, drwan from both legal and non-legal disciplines, and from varied backgrounds including academia and practice. The authors explore a diverse array of thought-provoking and controversial topics, presenting clear, articulate and engaging scholarship that provides both insighful analysis and in-depth critique. The 46 chapters can be read independently, or consecutivey as a complete work.
"These books provide a remarkable portrait of the state of human rights in Australia: not always favourable."
- The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG
"These books are just what we need, an insightful analysis of the current state of human rights law in Australia, along with guidance about how we can improve the protection and promotion of human rights in this country."
-Dr Gillian Triggs, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection UNHCR.
"This collection offers a fascinating array of analyses of Australia's engagement with the international human rights system. It shows the complexity of the Australian political and legal context which has long been wary of the language of human rights. These books are incisive and critical, yet ultimately optimistic about the future of human rights in Australia."
-Professor Hillary Charlesworth AM, Member International Court of Justice.
Table of Contents
- Surveying Human Rights Law in Australia: A Critical Overview (Melissa Castan & Paula Gerber)
- Australia's Human Rights Challenges in the Face of COVID-19 (Robin Banks)
- The Rule of Law and Human Rights in Australia (Lisa Burton Crawford)
- Australian Surrogacy Law: Recommendations for Reform (Ronli Sifris & Stephen Page)
- Realising the Right to Birth Registration in Australia (Melissa Castan, Geeta Shyam, Paula Gerber)
- Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings in Australia (Geeta Shyam, Viv Waller)
- Youth Justice and Children's Rights (Chris Cunneen)
- Vulnerable People and the Police: The Role of Human Rights (Stephen Gray)
- Human Rights Law and Domestic Violence: The Australian Context (Tess Bartlett, Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Sandra Walklate)
- Homelessness and Human Rights in Australia (Kevin Bell, Jean Allain)
- If Not Now, When? Reforms to Better Protect the Human Rights of LGBTIQ in Australia (Paula Gerber,)
- Human Rights and Older People (Susan Field & Karen Williams)
- Voluntary Assisted Dying: Human Rights Implications for Australia (Lindy Willmott, Ben White, Katrine Del Villar)
- Big Data, Government, Privacy and Human Rights (Kate Galloway)
- Are Australian Businesses Respecting Human Rights (Olivia Dean, Shelley Marshall)
- Can Nature be the Holder of Rights (Katie O’Bryan)
- Human Rights, Gender and Sport: Lessons from Australian Rules Football (Kate Seear, Liam Elphick)
- Reconciling Security and Human Rights: The Australian Experience (Nicola McGarrity)
- Racial Discrimination Law (Tim Soutphommasane)
- Free Speech in Australia (Katharine Gelber)
- Social Media and Free Speech in the Australian Workplace (Colin Campbell)
- Human rights and Civil Society Advocacy (Hugh de Kretser)
- Australia’s Exceptionalism: Antipathy Towards Human Rights? (Sarah Joseph)
Indigenous Legal Issues