In recent years, we have witnessed increased public debate about the status of governmental guarantees of civil and other human rights. In the context of international focus on the "war on terror", there is widespread concern about the possibility of infringement of civil liberties by governments and third parties alike. This debate is particularly relevant in Australia, which is alone amongst comparable common law jurisdictions in its lack of a bill of rights. In 2005, the Victorian State government followed the lead of the ACT, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in proposing the introduction of a State Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, that was enacted in 2006. -- Course Website
