Thread by @BelindaJones68

I have several dear family members who are vax-hesitant & try as I might, I can't get them to change their mind.

When I talk to them the conversation quickly descends into a debate about freedoms & rights, words like Constitution are thrown in for good measure.

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#auspol

I asked several what 'rights' they think they had?

Predictably, they sprouted rights defined in the US Constitution & Bill of Rights.

Neither of these documents apply to Australia.
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#auspol

Australia does NOT have a Bill of Rights which enshrines the rights of the individual.

The Australian Constitution defines individual rights of religion, discrimination, acquisition of property, free trade between states & the right to trial by jury.

That's it.
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#auspol

The Australian Constitution is nothing like the American Constitution.

When I was little we had a lot more UK influence in popular culture, over the years that has been surpassed by USA influence. Both are now embedded in our culture.
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#auspol

The average punter doesn't really know what govt does or what the three levels of govt are responsible for.

And the average punter often can't differentiate between the Australian Constitution & the US Constitution.
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#auspol

When I pointed out that the US Constitution does not apply to the vax-hesitant family members, they next they sprouted Articles 19 & 20 ICCPR+, i.e. human rights defined in international law.

I explained that Australian Law always trumps international agreements/law.
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#auspol

Australian Govts, by law, don't have to stick to international agreements, for the most part they do but it is NOT enshrined in Australian Law that they must.

When push comes to shove, Australian Law will trump international law.
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#auspol

So, my point here is that vaccine hesitancy stems from a fundamental lack of knowledge about the Australian political system.

Australians only have 'rights' on the good graces of the govt of the time. They are not enshrined in law & can be taken away at any time.
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#auspol

We actually don't even have the 'right' to free speech enshrined in the Australian Constitution.

Of course, my family argued the opposite, so I told them to show me the legislation where this right is enshrined for individuals.

I'm still waiting.
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#auspol

Finally, this point makes our previous referendums on a Republic seem moot.

An uneducated citizenry cannot make informed votes on such important matters as Constitutional changes or Australia becoming a Republic.
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#auspol

If we become a Republic we can write our Bill of Rights & enshrine individual freedoms in law.

Perhaps the silver lining to the dark cloud of pandemic will be Australians striving to create a better society & to determine our own destiny as a Republic.
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#auspol