Jon Cleary - BILLS OF ELEGANT SIMPLICITY for all their good intention ,often go against the interests of the people.
Fine to start with words, but never to finish there!
Great program - clearly not enough time -
Everyones rushing in to solve problems . The rushing is a problem,and the using lots of new laws is another - two wrongs don't make a right .

Recent revival of the simple idea of a bill of rights is yet another dangerous good idea attempting to make what is difficult simple – Bracks advisers are either ignorant of the real basis of law in our history and the courts, or, they are seeking to change that base . Either way Bracks should dismiss them and warn Hulls .Tell us how these laws can protect the rights of critical issue of free speech .Fools , rogues and the rich and powerful RELY on the law in these matters .
As Beasley said only yesterday, the Victorian government can't EVEN get the jurisdiction right, and now spend millions of our taxes defending the bleeding and ridicilous treatment of its citizens .The use of the AAT was an insult to the issues importance and was destined to wreak havoc. These citizens just wanted to talk the facts about what Islam teaches and its effect on their/our worldview – something that now nearly every Australian has been talking about since .
LEADERS sitting on LEADERS
Free speakers must be welcomed even encouraged when fear and anger is out there- They start the talking and then the walking by many others who follow . These lonely leaders get the needed catharsis going and fear off its moorings to discussions about facts . Fear immobilizes people and talking, provided it doesn’t actually advocate physical action ( it often provokes anger) can be helpful . every family needs it, and every good democracy .

Maybe Hon Hulls was surprised by the reaction to his crafting . Maybe he wasn’t . Either way He/ they should say so. More importantly, they should drop the idea of new ,but keep the judicial opportunity going( one gain is oftEn a loss elsewhere in governments who don't recognise the job is "caretaker") . Whatever they feel like ( too much of that) , Vic leaders must ACT to remove the legislation and keep Victoria one of the most livable places in the world – one where we don’t follow the Northern Territory or Canberra or some other voice ( it used to be said wait and we will make a better job of it; where we encourage diversity and a thousand voices bloom .

Victorian advisers of the R&R VAct had little knowledge, and therefore respect for the wide basis for protecting free speech and democracy of our country. Maybe they think words are enough – never ! Straining out crumbs and forgetting the character of our democracy.
Those who promote NEW ways to use laws to get around parliament should be treated with great caution .


Mor e john more