Former Governor-General Sir William Deane attacks Australian Government's " Intolerance" by ABC News 1:49pm 30th May, 2003   30.5.2003    Former governor-general Sir William Deane has launched a scathing attack on the Federal Government in a speech at the University of Queensland.Sir William was speaking after receiving an honorary doctorate at UQ.    He has criticised the Government over the "children overboard" affair and the holding of minors at the Woomera detention centre.    He says future leaders should avoid seeking advantage by "inflaming ugly prejudice and intolerance".    Sir William has also criticised the Government for its approach towards the two Australian men being held in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.    "The fundamental responsibility of a democratic government to seek to safeguard the human rights of all its citizens, including the unpopular and the alleged wrongdoer, in the case of two Australians indefinitely caged without legal charge or process," he said.    Prime Minister John Howard has told Southern Cross Radio he rejects any suggestion that the Government inflames prejudice.    Deane slams 'intolerant' government (published by The Age Newspaper).    Former governor-general Sir William Deane has criticised the federal government's human rights record, labelling the Liberal leadership intolerant and untruthful.    In a speech to the University of Queensland business, economic and law graduates, Sir William urged young Australians to be vigilant in fighting against injustice and falsehood.    He referred to the children overboard controversy, mandatory detention and the continued imprisonment of two suspected Australian terrorists as challenges to truth and justice.    "The challenge, never to be indifferent in the face of injustice or falsehood encompasses the challenge to advance the truth and human dignity rather than seek advantage ... and intolerance," he said.    "Who of us can easily forget the untruths of the children overboard (affair) or the abuse of the basic rights of innocent children by incarceration behind Woomera's razor wire."    Sir William, who received an honorary doctorate, also referred to the imprisonment of suspected terrorists David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib at the American Camp X-Ray in Cuba.    He said people should not forget the fundamental responsibility of a democratic government to seek to safeguard the human rights of all its citizens.    That included "the unpopular and alleged wrongdoers in the case of two Australians indefinitely caged without even a charge or process in the Guantanamo Bay jail".    Sir William said challenges to future leaders were the protection of multicultural Australia, the rights of the "have-nots" and the environment.    But importantly they must also ensure justice was served. "If the coming generations of leaders refuses to honestly confront the denial of justice or truth ... our nation will surely lose its way," he said.....    - AAP Visit the related web page
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