THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE

All fair-minded Australians are genuinely concerned about the treatment of refugees. And would do anything to protect their welfare. The Public Advocate, John Harley, told a recent forum at the University of South Australia that “Australia’s treatment of refugees in detention” leaves a lot to be desired because it has failed the international human rights obligation.

Mr. Harley, who is the Chairperson of a new group, the Coalition of South Australians for Human Rights, would like to see a significant change in policy direction.

In his capacity as Public Advocate, Harley calls for the introduction of the Bill of Rights in South Australia, arguing quite convincingly that such legislation will provide legal protection for people whose rights are infringed by public policy.

Uppermost in his mind is the protection of refugees and the mentally ill.