Gillian Triggs must withdraw from truth-telling seminar: Eric Abetz
Gillian Triggs appears at a Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation committee at Parliament House. Picture: Kym Smith.
Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs must withdraw from a public seminar on truth-telling “given her lax relationship with the topic”, a Liberal senator says.
Professor Triggs, w
ho this month admitted she unintentionally misled parliament, will give the keynote address at next month’s Australian Council of Social Service annual conference in Sydney and appear on the panel “Truth-Telling: Speaking with Conviction, Living with Consequences”.
The panel — which is about the importance of truthfulness, “even when it makes our leaders and decision makers uncomfortable” — also features anti-Islamophobia campaigner Mariam Veiszadeh, social media consultant Dan de Sousa, ABC journalist Linton Besser and anti-poverty campaigner
Duncan Storrar, who made headlines after appearing on Q & A in May.
Tasmanian senator Eric Abetz today said Professor Triggs should withdraw from the panel of “prominent left-wing figures” who will “without a doubt, criticise centre-right policies and governments”.
“It seems that Professor Triggs has been unable to open her mouth in recent times without needing to correct the record so having her, at taxpayers’ expense, giving her insights into ‘truth telling’ is actually laughable,” Senator Abetz said.
“Professor Triggs will join with a range of other prominent left-wing figures to, without a doubt, criticise centre right policies and governments.
“Instead of this clear attempt of rebranding herself ahead of the end of her term as president, she should focus on resolving the serious issues within the Human Rights Commission that have developed on her watch.”
“Professor Triggs should withdraw from speaking on this panel or ask that it be renamed to something more fitting like ‘Truth Telling: living with the consequences of being caught out in mistruths’.”
Professor Triggs declined to comment.
The conference program indicates the panel will debate the consequences of stepping up to speak truth to power.
“A healthy society is one in which individuals are able to shine a light on issues and be supported to speak the truth, even when it makes our leaders and decision makers uncomfortable,” the program reads.
“Taking on this role requires courage, conviction, a commitment to the truth and the support of others. Explore the lessons from Australians who have recently stepped up to take on this role — the good, the bad and the racist.”
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