Contemporary Perspectives on Human Rights Law in Australia
Paula Gerber and Melissa Castan (eds);
Thomson Reuters, 2012; $93.00 (paperback)
The latest contribution to the study of human rights law in Australia, this edited collection is a broad compilation by leading and up-and-coming human rights practitioners, academics and advocates. The book successfully combines human rights law-based analysis, education and policy recommendations. From the popular to the oft forgotten human rights issues, this book leaves few stones unturned.
An insightful and inspiring foreword by Michael Kirby sets the tone for the book, which explores, in an accessible and thorough manner, the history and evolution of Australia’s engagement with human rights on both the domestic and international levels. Importantly, this examination of the human rights landscape does not shy away from topical and controversial debates in contemporary Australia. From marriage equality to ‘boat people’ and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this book looks beneath the shallow media-driven discourse and provides an up-to-date, in-depth analysis with historical reviews, statistical and legal analysis and policy ideas to strengthen Australia’s respect for and protection of human rights.