Seminar focuses on Australia's response to September 11

Australia’s response to the attacks on September 11, 2001 and the impact on civil liberties and human rights will be the focus of a commemorative seminar in Bellingen next week.

The seminar, hosted by the Bellingen Institute and Southern Cross University’s Centre for Peace and Social Justice, will be held from 6pm, on September 11 at the Lodge Café, Bellingen.

Dr Richard Hil, director of the Bellingen Institute and associate director of the Centre for Peace and Social Justice, said September 11 had marked an important turning point in international relations.

“The resulting ‘war on terrorism’ and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq have led to more rather than less terrorism and an international climate characterised by threat, risk and insecurity,” Dr Hil said.

“This seminar will look at the role of the Australian Government and how this has impacted on Australia domestically and internationally.

“We will also be looking at whether civil liberties and human rights have been compromised.”

Speakers will include: head of Southern Cross University’s School of Law and Justice Professor Bee Chen Goh, who specialises in international law; Dr Rosemary Webb, from the University’s School of Arts and Social Sciences; and Dr Hil.

This will be followed by questions, comment and discussion.

The cost is $10 and $5 concession. For bookings and information contact Dr Hil at rhil@scu.edu.au