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Your views: on a bill of rights, and bikeways

Today, readers comment on a bill of rights for South Australia, and the debate about city bikeways keeps on rolling.

Mar 05, 2019, updated Mar 05, 2019
South Australia once pointed the way but now lags behind others in rights protection.

South Australia once pointed the way but now lags behind others in rights protection.

Bring on a bill of rights

Commenting on the story: It’s time to talk about rights protection in South Australia

Having witnessed their positive impact on law and society in both in the UK and New Zealand over the past two decades, I strongly support the introduction of a bill of rights for SA in order to strengthen the legal protection afforded citizens’ rights here.

Such a statement could also serve to educate citizens, both about their rights and their responsibilities, particularly toward minorities and non-citizens. It would also help instil and reinforce a culture of respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms (such as the right to vote, equal treatment and free speech) that underpin our democracy.

We are now lagging behind other Australian states (Queensland, Victoria and the ACT) and the many countries overseas that have introduced measures to enhance and entrench the legal protection of civil liberties and fundamental freedoms and, as a matter of some urgency, we now need to catch up.

I would also support the introduction a federal Charter of Rights for Australia to bring us in line with other advanced Western democracies and enable us to better meet our international obligations. – Kim Economides

A protected bikeway shouldn’t cost $20 million

Commenting on the story: City council backpedals on bikeway consultation

I was present  on the 26.2.19 Adelaide City Council meeting when the east-west bikeway was being discussed. The suggested cost of $16-20 million was to bring it to the standard of Frome Street bikeway.

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This is council’s desired standard – not what cyclist want.  Most just want protection, which can be as simple as a line of bollards or footpath grade.

On the night, councillor Hyde put an amendment to the motion brought by councillor Moran for haste. This amendment requested more consultation and workshops, to which councillor Donavan answered: “Six years of consultation we have had. We don’t need more.” The amendment was carried.

This was unnecessary obstruction at a time when every car is advancing climate change and we need more bikes on the road. Protected bikeways are the proven way to get 8-80 years old cyclist out and about. – Tim Eisemann

How to contribute

Send us an email, making it clear which story you’re commenting on and including your full name (required for publication) and phone number (only for verification purposes). We also accept contributions and comments on topics that haven’t been the subject of an InDaily article, but which might be of concern or interest to you.

We’ll publish contributions in a regular “Your views” post. Your comments can be brief, or we can accept up to 350 words, or thereabouts. Please put “Reader views” in the subject. Comments may be edited for clarity and brevity.

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