Communist Party policies: Democratic Rights

The people of Australia have waged many struggles for democratic rights. 
It is a major part of our history, including the Eureka Stockade, the early 
formation of trade unions and the campaigns for the right to vote. 
Maintaining and building on Australia's hard won democratic rights is an 
ongoing task.

The Howard Government has passed laws that undermine, restrict or destroy 
altogether such fundamental rights as the right to protest, freedom of 
expression and the right of workers to organise. Anti-discrimination 
legislation regarding women and the Aboriginal people is being relegated.

Under cover of anti-terrorist measures the Howard Government, with the 
support of the Labor Party, has giving the spy organisation ASIO, increased 
powers, including the power to arrest and detain suspects without charge 
for 48 hours. Under the new laws the right to remain silent has been taken 
away and suspects can be jailed for up to five years for refusing to answer 
questions.

These new laws add to the increased powers given to the Federal Police and 
Australian military during the lead up to the Sydney Olympics. Almost any 
demonstration can be rendered unlawful and the Government can mobilise the 
military to take action against civilians, including shooting people down 
in the streets.

Anti-trade union laws in the Workplace Relations Act are aimed at taking 
away the right of workers to join a union, to bargain collectively and to 
take industrial action in defence of their wages, conditions and jobs.

The anti-immigration laws introduced by the Howard Government are an 
affront to all people who believe in democracy, and a fair go.

The Communist Party believes democratic rights should be extended to 
include the right to work, the right to social security, the right to 
health care and education. None of these rights are protected by the 
Constitution or in any legislation but are necessary to make Australia more 
democratic, peaceful and productive.

The Communist Party proposes that democratic rights should include:

* The right of workers to establish independent trade unions, to organise 
and defend the interests of their members, including the right to strike.

* The establishment of the principle of one vote, one value in all 
elections for public office and the introduction of the system of 
proportional representation. Elimination of election nomination fees above 
a maximum of $100. Protection of the right of democratic parties to 
participate in elections and to propagate their point of view. An end to 
government funding of political parties.

* The right to access the legal system regardless of income.

* The establishment of the principles of multiculturalism and the outlawing 
of racist propaganda or discrimination against any person on the grounds of 
gender, race, religion or disability.

* The democratisation of the mass media with its ownership being vested in 
progressive community organisations, trade unions, student, women and youth 
organisations rather than being privately owned. Maintenance and expansion 
of the ABC and SBS radio and TV services.

* Opposition to the introduction of any form of ID Card or the 
establishment of a centralised computer bank containing people's personal 
information.

* The right of democratic organisations to associate, meet, agitate and 
peacefully demonstrate together with other rights incorporated in the 
United Nations' Charter of Basic Human Rights.

* Immigration policy to be free from racial and cultural bias with priority 
to humanitarian considerations, particularly family reunion and refugees. 
Repeal of the Government's cruel anti-immigration laws.

* Special education services for Aboriginal Australians to be fully funded 
and expanded in consultation with the Aboriginal people and their 
representatives. Repeal of the Native Title Amendments Bill. The conclusion 
of a Treaty between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the 
Australian State which recognises the prior occupation and ownership of 
Australia by the indigenous people and their right to land and its natural 
resources on land and in the sea.

* Government services for migrants, such as education and welfare programs, 
to be expanded.

* Repeal of the laws giving increased powers to ASIO, the Federal Police 
and the military.

The Communist Party proposes that basic democratic rights should be formed 
into an Australian Bill of Rights to be incorporated as part of the 
Australian Commonwealth and State Constitution.