Bob Carr's maiden speech

Bob Carr, the newly sworn in Australian Foreign Minister, used his maiden speech in the Senate to raise an issue close to his heart. What was it?

I say, hurray for a scientifically literate politician, and for one who is not afraid to show it out of fear that it might lose him votes. And hurray for a politician who knows that climate change has a twin that may well be just as evil.

Australian charter of rights

The Australian Government is considering introducing a charter of rights. While it may initially sound like a great idea, on further reflection, I have more than a few reservations. Some of them are expressed by former NSW premier Bob Carr in this SMH article. And some others are expressed (at greater length) by Andrew Cameron in this excellent submission to the Freedom of Religion and Belief Project earlier this year. Although the latter is primarily in relation to religious freedoms and potential anti-vilification laws, many of the principles also apply in relation to a possible charter of rights.