CLUB GRUBBERY
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My summary and commentary of the excellent zoom
This zoom meeting from Club Grubbery on May 13, 2024, features a discussion between hosts Graham and John, and their guests, Professor Augusto Zimmerman and Tim Dwyer, about the state of the rule of law in Australia, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 restrictions and mandatory vaccinations.
The hosts introduce the show and mention the 30-year anniversary of the Australian Vaccine Network (AVN). The Australian Vaccination Network (AVN), formerly known as the Australian Vaccination Network and the Australian Vaccination-Skeptics Network, is a prominent anti-vaccination group in Australia. It was founded in 1994 by Meryl Dorey, a vocal critic of vaccination. The AVN has actively campaigned against various vaccination programs. Despite facing numerous setbacks and criticisms, the AVN continues to be a vocal advocate against mandatory vaccination policies in Australia and defender of the rights of parents to protect their children from the devastating effects of vaccines. They express their intent to ramp up efforts with the AVN to protect children through vaccination awareness.
Professor Augusto Zimmerman, a law professor from the Sheridan Institute, discusses the erosion of the rule of law in Australia. Tim Dwyer, who has previously worked with Zimmerman, shares his insights on constitutional law and the current legal challenges. Zimmerman criticises the disregard for the rule of law and the Australian Constitution, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the problem of legal positivism, where laws are applied without considering their impact on individual rights and freedoms. The discussion touches on the separation of powers and the overreach of executive powers during the pandemic.
The erosion of the rule of law in Australia has been a significant concern, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic response saw an unprecedented expansion of executive powers, often bypassing the traditional checks and balances of the legislative process. Emergency powers were invoked to enforce lockdowns, border closures, and mandatory vaccinations, which many argue undermined individual rights and freedoms. This period exposed the fragility of the separation of powers, with the executive branch enacting laws without sufficient parliamentary oversight, leading to questions about the constitutionality and proportionality of these measures. Critics, including legal experts like Professor Zimmerman, have pointed out that such actions have led to a concentration of power in the hands of a few, further eroding public trust in the legal system and the judiciary's independence. The situation has prompted calls for a more robust legal framework to ensure that emergency powers are exercised within the bounds of the rule of law, protecting human rights and maintaining the integrity of Australia's democratic institutions.
Zimmerman and Dwyer discuss the misuse of emergency powers to enforce lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations, which they argue undermines legal certainty and individual freedoms. They emphasise the need for laws to protect individual rights rather than serve as tools of oppression. Professor Zimmerman criticises the current state of legal education in Australia, suggesting that many lawyers lack a proper understanding of common law and jurisprudence. This situation is even worse in the education of the medical profession where doctors are graduated with a sense of omnipotence that fosters a dangerous belief that they are health care professionals. He also points out the problematic process of judicial appointments, which he believes leads to a judiciary that serves the establishment rather than upholding the rule of law.
The guests discuss the historical context of the Australian Constitution and the importance of understanding the framers' intent. They argue that the High Court has often misinterpreted the Constitution, leading to a centralisation of power in Canberra. Zimmerman and Dwyer propose political strategies to address the current issues, including renewing the composition of the parliament and ensuring proper judicial appointments. They also discuss the potential for a people's referendum to reestablish constitutional principles and protect individual rights.
The hosts and guests conclude by emphasising the importance of public awareness and engagement in constitutional matters. They call for Australians to educate themselves about their Constitution and support efforts to uphold the rule of law.
The discussion is a critical examination of the legal and constitutional challenges faced by Australia, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sequelae and a call to action for legal and political reforms to protect individual rights and freedoms.
A sincere thanks to Hoodie and John for an excellent Zoom.
Ian Brighthope
Thanks for this great summary Ian, really appreciate your time and effort in doing this substack
Augusto Zimmerman was almost a loan legal voice during COVID. He's articulate and knowledgeable. I purchased his and Joshua Forrester's book which helped me navigate my way through the rubbish being perpetrated upon us by politicians, bureaucrats, the WHO, WEF, UN and others.
https://www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au/Fundamental-Rights-in-the-Age-of-COVID-19--Edited-by-Augusto-Zimmermann-Joshua-Forrester-_p_414.html