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The text is from Professor Frank Brennan's 2008 Institute of Justice Studies Oration from 22 May 2008.
One of the most devastating effects of European settlement upon Aboriginal people was caused by fencing. Fences have also disrupted normal behaviour of kangaroos, which have come to be regarded as enemies by landowners.
In both the Olympic Games and the Catholic Church's World Youth Day, young people advance ideals that could benefit the world. It should not surprise if people committed to international understanding are also committed to universal human rights.
The great hope for the Beijing Olympics was that it would persuade China's government that human rights protection is good diplomacy and good business. The power of persuasion would be lost if conscience-bound competitors are prevented from commenting.
The Minister for Immigration insists Labor will retain the citizenship test. Prime Minister Rudd jokes about the need to retain questions on mid-20th century cricket. The new government's credibility on issues of social inclusion is damaged.
Cricket is a microcosm of society and the furore over sportsmanship reflects the division of Australia into two classes — the venal, whose ultimate measure of success is the potential for profit, and the naïve, who believe in higher values.
A new government enjoys public goodwill as it tackles a residue of issues, resentments and injustices. How quickly this dissipates is a measure of the sincerity with which the new government operates. Hopes are high for Rudd Labor.
The power of the State can be exercised capriciously and unaccountably when the “Don’t ask; don’t tell” approach to government is immune from parliamentary, judicial or public scrutiny. It is the task of lawyers to make it more difficult for politicians to take this approach.
Occasionally individuals manage to defy the negative stereotypes and demonstrate that being a Member of Parliament need not destroy one’s personal integrity. The late Peter Andren, federal member for Calare from 1996 to 2007, was just such an exceptional representative.
Some political professionals would like to see the state behave just like the market, operating as a heartless machine for maximising outcomes. However, truly rational electors realise that if the system is to be imbued with compassion and humanity, the heart must play a role no less important than the head.
Eureka Street's ongoing analysis of the Federal Election race, helping you discern your vote at the ballot in November.
Shadow Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett has suffered substantial damage to his reputation over the Tasmanian pulp mill. What Garrett thinks personally doesn't actually matter, other than ultimately to his conscience.
61-72 out of 91 results.