JULIAN BURNSIDE: Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Tasmania

Madeleine Ogilvie, Convenor of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (Tas) today announced the establishment of ALHR Tas.

“There is a pressing need to provide a forum through which Tasmanian lawyers can contribute to the public discussion on human rights issues. Asylum seekers, their treatment and processing options, are an area of great concern to many in the legal profession.

“We have heard just this morning, that Tasmania is likely to play a larger role in the processing of asylum seekers and may also be asked to administer cases relating to people smuggling, referred from other jurisdictions. No matter how you look at it, everyone is entitled to access to justice, which includes being able to afford legal representation. Issues of resourcing must be resolved if inter-jurisdictional transfers are on the table.

“How we respond to the issue of refugees, asylum seekers and people smuggling is important both from a legal and community perspective. ALHR also tackles social justice issues more broadly, including for example human rights of disabled members of our community, issues of the protection of cultural heritage and indigenous rights.

“Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is a national organisation that makes a significant contribution to public policy formation in Australia, from a legal perspective. By forming a local chapter, Tasmanian lawyers are now linked in and are able to participate in the national conversation on human rights. It is important to note that everyone involved in ALHR donates their time, and membership is free (go to www.alrh.asn.au).

“We have appointed Essen Bradbury as Chair of the Tasmanian Executive, and he has recruited an excellent team of legal practitioners and students to drive ALHR locally.

“We are excited about the launch of ALHR Tas by Julian Burnside AO QC who is asking ‘Who’s afraid of human rights’, and guest speaker Greg Barns, barrister who will be sharing insights on our failures in indigenous human rights. The event is to be held at 6.00pm on 29 September 2011 at the Stanley Burbury Theatre, University of Tasmania. It is free and open to the public and we are hopeful of a good turn out.

Download:
ALHR_Invitation.pdf
Madeleine Ogilvie – Barrister & Solicitor Convenor of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Tas. Facebook – ALHR Tas www.alhr.asn.au