A Bill of Rights is a list guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms to citizens, safeguarding them from infringement by both the government and other individuals. These rights typically include freedom of speech, religion, the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to due process, a fair trial, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The Bill of Rights ensures individual liberties are protected and limits the power of the government.
In 1973, Federal Attorney-General Lionel Murphy introduced a human rights Bill into the Australian parliament, but it was never passed.
In 1984, Senator Gareth Evans drafted a Bill of Rights in Australia, but it was never introduced into parliament.
In 1985, a bill of rights introduced by Senator Lionel Bowen was passed by the House of Representatives in Australia, but failed to pass the Senate.
In 1998, the Human Rights Act incorporated the rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights into the UK law.