Civil Liberties Abstract

Civil liberties are a vital part of any functioning democracy. The Australian public know very little of their rights as citizens. The Australian government is able to get away with silencing any dissent and manipulating any information made available to the general public. Australia is showing declining participation by citizens in democratic processes. This disengagement is further exacerbated by restrictions on the flow of information to the public.

The dissenting opinions being stifled include that of charitable organisations by using threats of funding withdrawal. The Australian government have also tried to suppress dissenting voices in universities, research sectors and the media through the use of bullying tactics including public, personal attacks and even vicious rumour spreading. This has a direct impact on the average Australian citizens capacity to be informed and therefore participate.

Australian law as it currently stands does not protect even the most fundamental rights that Australians assume they have. For example to law does not fully protect freedom of speech or freedom of religion. Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) is attempting to rectify these occurrences, bring them to public attention and also educate the public about their civil liberties. They achieve this through publicising issues on their website, sending out newsletters to members, keeping a good relationship with the state ombudsman as well as producing submissions for government bodies. One such submission is a proposal for/design of a bill, or charter of rights. They are hoping this charter will firmly cement civil rights in the law and also help to bring them to the attention of the general public.

Graphic design could be the key to getting the information out in the public arena. The priority of all graphic design is to get attention. The public needs to feel intrigued, astounded or provoked in order to illicit a response and this can all be achieved through the use of texture, colour, imagery and text. A design campaign using print matter, online or even television campaigns utilising the power of graphic design could help to get the message out to the public and ensure our rights and our future as a free and democratic society.

- Irene Rayment