Philip Ruddock: “Religious Freedom Review” — Press Clippings:

Press Clippings:            below: Ruddock Panel + Terms of Reference:

The Guardian 15.2.18:  Churches want “laws” to enshrine their “right” to hire and fire based on faith, and “protect” taxpayer funding.

The Age 15.2.18:  “YES” campaign want all religious exemptions wound back in schools, hospitals, etc.

SMH 14.2.18:  Churches want new exemptions to “combat hatred”.

The Guardian 14.2.18:  'Christian Schools Australia' (who support creationism) defend their right to hire and fire teachers over beliefs.

The Guardian 13.2.18:  Rodney Croome (speaker for ‘Just-Equal’): Why the Ruddock Review is flawed.

ABC 12.2.18:  Catholic church wealth revealed to be $30b, a review of religious tax exemptions is needed.

The Age 12.2.18:  Catholic archbishop given mansion and beach house, while fighting compensation for church victims.

The Guardian: 8.2.18Philip Ruddock has started secret hearings, with evidence taken in private sessions.

Philip Ruddock:  “Religious Freedom  Review” 

The Guardian 15.12.18:  Ruddock Review 5th panellist prof. Nicholas Aroney on record supporting “limited Sharia Law”.

Philip Ruddock:  “Religious Freedom  Review” 

On 22 November 2017, the Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, announced the appointment of an Expert Panel to examine whether Australian law adequately protects the human right to freedom of religion.

The Prime Minister announced the Terms of Reference for the Review on 14 December 2017. In undertaking its Review, the Prime Minister has instructed the Panel to:

  • consider the intersections between the enjoyment of the freedom of religion and other human rights
  • have regard to any previous or ongoing reviews or inquiries that it considers relevant
  • consult as widely as it considers necessary

The Expert Panel comprises:

  • the Hon Philip Ruddock (chair)
  • Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM
  • the Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AO SC
  • Father Frank Brennan SJ AO
  • Professor Nicholas Aroney

The Prime Minister has asked the Expert Panel to report its findings by 31 March 2018.

National Secular Lobby Limited:   See "Submissions" for NSL contribution.