Bill of Rights a potential tool of oppression

Media release

Australian Protectionist Party National Chairman and South Australian Spokesman Mr. Andrew Phillips today warned against the implementation of an Australian Bill of Rights.

“The implementation of a Bill of Rights is no guarantor of human rights in this country – it is in fact a tool that can be used to further erode the freedoms so many Australians take for granted today” Mr. Phillips said.

The Australian Protectionist Party supports the right of Australians to freedom of speech and freedom of association. The Australian Constitution should be enough to guarantee these rights, if not, then careful changes must be proposed and put to the Australian people in the form of a referendum.

“A Bill of Rights has been enacted by various countries, many of which have had the most brutal and oppressive dictatorships known to man, a perfect example being the Soviet Union – how did a Bill of Rights or a UN Charter defend those persecuted by the government or tortured by the KGB?” Mr. Phillips continued, “If anything, such a Bill here could be used to stifle freedom of speech and religious expression”.

“A Bill enacted in Australia could be used to seriously curtail criticism of beliefs or behaviour one finds abhorrent in defence of ‘human rights’ ” Mr. Phillips said. “Where would that leave those wanting to voice their concern about practices such as polygamy, sodomy, female circumcision and abortion?”

“Such a move, intent on transferring power from Parliament to unaccountable judiciary is fraught with dangers to the freedoms given to us by previous generations, not least those who gave their lives upon the battlefield – it must be rejected outright” Mr. Phillips concluded.

Statement issued by Mr. Andrew Phillips
National Chairman and S.A. spokesman, Australian Protectionist Party
12th January 2009