Alternative Law Journal
Media Release
Volume 27, No. 6, December 2002
The December edition of the Alternative Law Journal
examines issues of discrimination, disadvantage, marginalisation and
exclusion. The authors articulate aspirations, proposals and strategies
for positive change in our community. Each article reveals a hope
that the injustice and suffering described is not permanent and can
be eliminated through individual, collective or structural intervention.
John T Rush QC and Andrea Durbach discuss
reparations for the Stolen Generations. John T Rush QC argues that
it is fundamental to our nation that the wrongs perpetrated against
the Stolen Generations be recognised and redressed. Andrea Durbach
proposes the establishment of a Reparations Tribunal as a necessary
step in this process.
In August 1996, there were over 105,000 homeless people
across Australia. Cassandra Goldie examines the human rights
of people living in public space. Dianne Otto considers the
effectiveness of indirect methods of human rights implementation in
the context of governmental responses to homelessness. She also proposes
strategies for strengthening human rights mechanisms and discourse.
Victoria is the most gambling dependent state in Australia
and one of the most gambling dependent areas in the world. There are
clear associations between problem gambling, homelessness, poverty,
mental illness, family fragmentation and societal dysfunction. Paul
Ronalds proposes reforms to the regulation and conduct of the
pokie industry with a view to addressing these issues.
