TJP in Action
The Justice Project is currently campaigning for the introduction of a Federal Charter of Human Rights. Despite the essential need for a Charter of Rights, the Victorian Charter has been met with bad publicity that continuously accuses it of being ineffective. These arguments are detrimental to the campaign for the introduction of a Federal Charter. The Justice Project aims to counteract this negative press by providing a practical example of how the Victorian Charter can work to save people from harm from bushfires. The Justice Project is helping Liam Sheahan bring a case in order to demonstrate how vital the Victorian Charter is to the rights of Victorian citizens, and that a similar Charter of Rights must be enacted on a national level.
LIAM SHEAHAN CASE
After clearing his property of 250 trees up to 100m from his house on the advice of local council to guard against bushfires, Liam Sheahan was convicted of clearing without a permit under the Victorian Planning Provisions and fined $50,000. During the recent February bushfires, his house, largely due to this clearing, was one of few saved in the area. Mr. Sheahan hopes to invoke the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities in proceedings against the Mitchell Shire Council and possibly the State of Victoria regarding the negligent advice received and concerning the unjust state of land clearing laws. The Justice Project is assisting Mr. Sheahan in bringing this action and aims to use the case to provide an example of the Victorian Charter in action.
