More than 50 organisations from across the country and different sectors today called for the Federal Government to engage the country in a public consultation on human rights protection.

On the day of David Hicks return Amnesty International Australia, GetUp, the Australian Lawyers Alliance and UnitingJustice Australia expressed their relief that his ordeal is almost over. They remain concerned, however, that fundamental questions about his treatment in Guantanamo Bay and the Australia Government's response to his situation need to be answered.

The Uniting Church in Australia today condemned the Government's acceptance of the new draft charges against Guantanamo detainee David Hicks and expressed deep concern for his wellbeing and about the trial process.

The Uniting Church has urged the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of David Hicks on the eve of tomorrow's nationwide protests marking the fifth anniversary of his incarceration.

The Uniting Church believes that it is time for our political leaders to redefine the meaning of the national interest.

Key leaders of the Uniting Church in Australia have expressed their anger and outrage over the Australian Government's vote against the United Nations anti-torture protocol.