Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland-wide News

Liberals Call For Referendum On Labor’S ‘Bill Of Rights’

Labor’s Charter of Rights & Responsibilities should be put to a referendum in Victoria, Shadow Attorney General, Andrew McIntosh said today.

By Andrew McIntosh - 19th May 2006 - Back to News

"Labor’s Bill of Rights could have far-reaching and unintended consequences for Victorians. I have serious concerns about the Bill. All Victorians should have a say in whether it becomes law," said Mr McIntosh.

"Without the consent of Victorians this Bill of Rights will be divisive and dangerous.

"Victorians are entitled to a rigorous and comprehensive debate on the legislation and its impact rather than have it imposed on them without a say."

Under the Victorian Constitution a referendum or plebiscite could be held on the Bill, which could coincide with the State Election on November 25.

To date, Labor has refused to hold a referendum on the Bill.

"Labor is determined to impose its political correctness agenda on Victorians. It will not let Victorians have a say," Mr McIntosh said.

Even Labor is divided on this issue. In 2001, then Premier Bob Car criticised and lampooned any suggestion that a Bill of Rights ought to be introduced in NSW.

"A Bill of Rights is an admission of the failure of Parliaments, Governments and the people to behave in a reasonable, responsible and respectful manner.

Bob Carr, January 9, 2001

"This is a matter for all Victorians not just the Parliamentary Labor Party."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• 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.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.