by Chris Merritt | Apr 22, 2025 | All Posts, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Human Rights, ICAC, Media Article
Geoffrey Robertson KC is one of those annoying lawyers who cannot be pigeon-holed. In May last year when he appeared at Sydney’s State Theatre there was much eye-rolling among conservatives in the audience when some of his funniest jokes came at the expense of Peter...
by Chris Merritt | Apr 4, 2025 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, Media Article
Thanks to some rushed lawmaking late last year, the federal government has just undone reforms that prevent ordinary people being dragged into expensive court cases over minor disputes. The states put an end to trivial defamation claims by using a “serious harm”...
by Chris Merritt | Nov 29, 2024 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Human Rights, Media Article, Rule of Law Issue
When the International Criminal Court mobilised its resources against Israel, Australian taxpayers were there to help – chipping in almost $10 million to cover the running costs of this deeply politicised institution. That makes Australia the world’s seventh...
by Chris Merritt | Nov 22, 2024 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Human Rights, Media Article, Rule of Law Issue
It might have been wise for Penny Wong to have done a little more checking before declaring her respect for the independence of the International Criminal Court. If that had happened, the Foreign Minister might have realised the ICC’s arrest warrants against the Prime...
by Chris Merritt | Jul 5, 2024 | Chris Merritt, Commentary, Human Rights, Media Article
The latest push for a national charter of rights has provided a valuable lesson for charter supporters: they need to open their eyes to reality. Yes, the protection of human rights is an ever-changing challenge. But Australia’s performance on this measure is...
