Gillian Triggs gets standing ovation

As the Senate killed off 18C reforms, Gillian Triggs lamented how the law can’t stop racism around the kitchen table | WATCH

Liberal backbencher Eric Abetz has attacked Human Rights Commission President Gillian Triggs for a “blistering speech” at a fundraiser for former Greens leader Bob Brown’s foundation in Hobart last night during which she declared parliament and the courts had failed Australia’s most vulnerable.

Professor Triggs told the sell-out audience “there has never been a more important time to stand up for laws which prohibit racial abuse in the public arena’’

“Sadly you can say what you like around the kitchen table at home,’’ she said.

Senator Abetz said Professor Triggs had further tarnished the commission’s reputation by insisting on speaking at the fundraiser, which has raised an estimated $10,000.

“This latest example of exceptionally poor judgment comes as no surprise but is just another in a long line of disappointments to the taxpayers who fund Professor Triggs to the tune of half a million dollars each year,” Senator Abetz said.

Bob Brown with Professor Gillian Triggs and his partner Paul Thomas last night at the Hobart Town Hall. Picture: Twitter

“Her comments in attacking the Parliament, along with the fact she has provided misleading evidence to the Senate, shows a complete disregard for our democracy and our national institutions and a lack of self-awareness as to how ineptly she runs the Australian Human Rights Commission.

“Professor Triggs would be better served if she spent her time ensuring she gives robust evidence to senate committees rather than helping to raise more than $10,000 for the Greens.”

Mr Brown, who was accompanied at the event by his partner Paul Thomas, tweeted that Professor Triggs received a standing ovation.

Standing ovation for Prof Gillian Triggs at Hobart Oration. pic.twitter.com/bQyIv3UlCc

— Bob Brown (@BobBrownFndn) March 30, 2017

Professor Triggs said it was a “failure” of the Australian parliament that human rights were not adequately protected in her speech titled, ‘Fighting for our rights – a “fair go Australia”’.

“A ‘fair go’ is not just another empty phrase in an age of slogans,” Professor Triggs said.

“It’s a commitment of Australians to fundamental principles of equality, fairness for all and justice.

“A cultural norm upon which I believe our Australian democracy depends.”

Professor Triggs said that in 21st century Australia, federal governments had “acquiesced in passing laws … that breach our rights”.

She said Australia was the only common law country without a bill of rights.

“We are truly exceptional in not having benchmark provisions,” Professor Triggs said.

.@chriskkenny says he believes 18C in its current form was used to shut down free speech and reforms were needed. #HeadsUp pic.twitter.com/p5fcPwxOfH

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) March 30, 2017