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Criminals Could Walk Free Under Labor’S ‘Bill Of Rights’Given the Bracks Labor Government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s criminal justice system and with imminent enactment of Labor’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities criminals may be able walk free under Labor. By Andrew McIntosh - 5th June 2006 - Back to News State Budget figures released this week forecast that Victorian courts will not have the resources needed to complete many criminal matters inside 12 months.
In 2006-07 Victoria’s main trial court, the County Court, is forecasting its criminal case completion rate inside 12 months to be 8% below the level it was in 2004-05.
Victorian lawyers will tell you anecdote after anecdote that those charged with serious criminal offences will not get a trial date less than 12months from the criminal mention hearing.
These long delays are extremely concerning given Labor’s new Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities that the Bracks Labor Government is going to impose on Victorians.
Section 25(2)(c) of Labor’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities states that a person charged with a criminal offence is entitled "to be tried without unreasonable delay"
This provision mirrors that of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Section 11b, which states that any person charger with an offence has the right "to be tried within a reasonable time".
Under the Labor’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities all past, present and future laws must be interpreted in the light of human rights. This includes consideration of international cases including those from Canada.
In Canadian case of R v Askov (1990) a group of suspects charged with conspiracy to commit extortion used the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to avoid conviction because they successfully argued that their human rights had been infringed because of a 23 month court delay.
The Canadian Supreme Court stated that delay "in the range of some 6-8months between committal and trial might be deemed to be the outside limit of what is reasonable"
As a result of the Askov decision 43,640 chargers were stayed, dismissed or withdrawn in Ontario alone. Charges dropped included manslaughter, assault with a weapon, assault police, sexual assault and 11,000 charges of drunk driving. *Dr Rainer Knopff and Ted Morton, University of Calgary
The Canadian Charter of Rights experience may open the door for criminals, especially given the excessive delays in Victorian courts, to use Labor’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities to escape punishment.
All Victorians are entitled to be concerned with Labor’s handling of its Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities which will be a threat to community safety. Victorian’s must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote in a referendum on whether or not the Charter is passed into law.
If Labor passes its Charter without broad community support it will dangerous and divisive. It is regrettable that Labor is determined to impose its political correctness agenda on Victorians without letting Victorians have their say.
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities is a matter for all Victorians not just the elitists in the Parliamentary Labor Party.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season. - Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Coalition and crossbench Senators reject Albanese government’s Defence Honours Bill, citing consultation failures, appeal rights removal
Coalition and crossbench Senators oppose the Albanese government’s Defence Honours Bill, citing lack of consultation, threat to veterans’ appeal rights, and overwhelming stakeholder opposition, urging its complete abandonment. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station, free of charge
Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station for free, following safety guidelines, while refunds are managed by retailers including Officeworks, Kmart, and Educational Colours. - CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability. - Check new 11-digit account reference numbers for accurate South Gippsland Water bill payments after July 2025 system upgrade
South Gippsland Water reminds customers to use their new 11-digit account reference number when paying bills after the July 2025 billing system upgrade. Payments using old numbers will no longer be processed. - Darren Chester urges abandonment after widely opposed defence honours appeals bill withdrawn by the government
Albanese government withdraws widely opposed defence honours appeals Bill after failing to consult veterans, with Darren Chester urging its complete abandonment due to reduced rights, transparency and negative wellbeing impacts. - Neerim Artsfest 2026 celebrates sculptural art, culture, and creativity in Neerim South from 28 February to 15 March
Neerim South hosts the free 2026 Artsfest from 28 February-15 March, showcasing spectacular sculptures, local culture, scenic walks, parks, markets, food, drinks, and creative experiences near Melbourne. - Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis. - Martin Cameron says Latrobe Valley community safety declines as crime rises six percent, police resources reduced
Martin Cameron warns Latrobe Valley community safety is worsening under Labor, citing rising crime, reduced police resources, retail theft spikes, weak bail laws, and calls for tougher prevention and policing measures. - Celebrate migratory birds’ return at Eagle Point with family-friendly nature activities on 10 October 2025
Celebrate the return of migratory birds at Gippsland Lakes on 10 October with free wildlife activities, guided walks, expert talks, music, and learning about conservation and habitat restoration efforts. - Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required. - Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. - Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13. - Darren Chester confronts Agriculture Minister over European deal, but she won’t call it fair
The Albanese government’s EU free trade deal has been widely criticised by farmers and industry bodies for weak market access, unfair concessions, and restrictions harming dairy, red meat, and wine sectors. - Tim Bull highlights East Gippsland patients facing excessive dental wait times amid ongoing public system mismanagement concerns
East Gippsland patients face over 18-month waits for public dental care, with private dentists struggling under short voucher timelines and delayed government payments, highlighting systemic mismanagement, says Tim Bull. - Be enchanted by magical vistas overlooking a winding river and forested gorge in stunning Tyers Park
Discover Peterson's Lookout in Tyers Park, a short walk leading to breathtaking gorge and river views. Enjoy golden-hour scenery, nearby trails, wineries, eateries, and cultural attractions for a perfect Gippsland getaway. - Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
The Allan Labor government passed laws allowing energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before approvals, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to condemn the "land grab" and call for proper consultation and safeguards. - Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project. - Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
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