ALRC Inquiry
The Australian Law Reform Commission has announced its inquiry into Sedition.
The terms of reference outlined by Phillip Ruddock ask the Commission to consider whether the sedition provisions "effectively address the problem of urging the use of force or violence". There is no mention of considering whether the provisions may restrict expression. However, the ALRC's own description of the inquiry refers to "concerns expressed through the media and identified by a Senate inquiry that the laws may intrude unreasonably upon freedom of speech" and its press release goes even further to say that concerns to protect the security of Australians must be "balanced against the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association".
So... what next?
Those of you with the ire and inclination to take part (and if you've made it this far you probably have the capacity to go one click further), head to the ALRC site and register your interest to receive updates. A discussion paper will be released as soon as possible "designed to help clarify the issues under consideration in this Inquiry". After the release of the discussion paper, the ALRC plans to consult with experts and "key stakeholders". Not sure how you identify a "key stakeholder" in this particular debate: concerned citizens? Enraged artists? Enthusiastic Attorneys General? After the discussion paper is released there will be submissions from organisations made up of key stakeholders and a final report will be tabled in Parliament at the end of May.
Please keep checking in.
The terms of reference outlined by Phillip Ruddock ask the Commission to consider whether the sedition provisions "effectively address the problem of urging the use of force or violence". There is no mention of considering whether the provisions may restrict expression. However, the ALRC's own description of the inquiry refers to "concerns expressed through the media and identified by a Senate inquiry that the laws may intrude unreasonably upon freedom of speech" and its press release goes even further to say that concerns to protect the security of Australians must be "balanced against the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association".
So... what next?
Those of you with the ire and inclination to take part (and if you've made it this far you probably have the capacity to go one click further), head to the ALRC site and register your interest to receive updates. A discussion paper will be released as soon as possible "designed to help clarify the issues under consideration in this Inquiry". After the release of the discussion paper, the ALRC plans to consult with experts and "key stakeholders". Not sure how you identify a "key stakeholder" in this particular debate: concerned citizens? Enraged artists? Enthusiastic Attorneys General? After the discussion paper is released there will be submissions from organisations made up of key stakeholders and a final report will be tabled in Parliament at the end of May.
Please keep checking in.
