A new report from the Human Rights Law Centre (HLRC) reveals how Australia’s current political class has undermined democractic principles, including challenging the right to protest, removing protections for journalists’ sources and whistleblowers and cutting access to affordable legal advice and advocacy.
The report, entitled Safeguarding Democracy, also highlights threats to the environment, as the government sought to ‘limit the ability of courts to review government conduct’ while it also ‘publicly vilified groups who challenge it in court’.
The HRLC document’s release coincides with a number of pertinent events, including a wave of a protesters marching on WA’s Parliament House in reaction to legislation that could see activists jailed for up to two years. At the same time, Tasmania and Queensland have also enacted or proposed anti-protest laws.
A week ago, environmental organisations including the Wilderness Society, Humane Society International and Nature Conservation Council of NSW, met with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to discuss changes to the Native Vegetation Act that could have severe repercussions for local biodiversity and climate change, but proceeded to walk out on the talks having found the result to have been ‘predetermined’ by the government.
“We need to stop this corrosive trend and strengthen our democracy. This report outlines a way forward. With an election later this year, it’s time for our politicians to commit to upholding our democracy,” said Hugh de Kretser, executive director of the HRLC.
Sustained government antipathy towards conservation non-profit organisations elicited a reaction from the chief executive of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Kelly O’Shanassy.
“From the Franklin River to the Great Barrier Reef, conservation groups have played a vital role in protecting Australia’s special places,” she said.
“Instead of trying to silence conservation groups through political attacks on charity tax concessions, the government should encourage them to speak out. It’s in all of our interests.”
In total, the report outlines 38 ways in which the government should stop eroding, and start strengthening, Australian democracy.