What do you think?
Rate this book
Speaking Up
Gillian Triggs invites you to speak up
"As president of the Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs advocated for the disempowered, the disenfranchised, the marginalised. She withstood relentless political pressure and media scrutiny as she defended the defenceless for five tumultuous years.
How did this aspiring ballet dancer, dignified daughter of a tank commander and eminent law academic respond when appreciative passengers on a full airplane departing Canberra greeted her with a round of applause?
Speaking Up shares with readers the values that have guided Triggs’ convictions and the causes she has championed. She dares women to be a little vulgar and men to move beyond their comfort zones to achieve equity for all. And she will not rest until Australia has a Bill of Rights.
Triggs’ passionate memoir is an irresistible call to everyone who yearns for a fairer world."
"As president of the Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs advocated for the disempowered, the disenfranchised, the marginalised. She withstood relentless political pressure and media scrutiny as she defended the defenceless for five tumultuous years.
How did this aspiring ballet dancer, dignified daughter of a tank commander and eminent law academic respond when appreciative passengers on a full airplane departing Canberra greeted her with a round of applause?
Speaking Up shares with readers the values that have guided Triggs’ convictions and the causes she has championed. She dares women to be a little vulgar and men to move beyond their comfort zones to achieve equity for all. And she will not rest until Australia has a Bill of Rights.
Triggs’ passionate memoir is an irresistible call to everyone who yearns for a fairer world."
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
46 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 27, 2019
The author was Australia's Human Rights Commissioner and found herself in constant odds with the Government. She represented factual based reasoning and international law obligations on human rights. The Government was not interested and did everything they could to demean her and her position. Her book provides the legal and human rights arguments that Triggs represented. As a result it is a book that is a bit dry in parts but there are bits that are quite staggering embarrassing; the number of human rights violations enacted by the Australian government, it's lack of adherence to international law obligations, our lack of a Charter of Rights, our treatment of minorities are just some of a litany of failures described in this strong book of Australian shame and sadness.
January 8, 2019
Professor Gillian Triggs, much targeted warrior of human rights in Australia when she was the President of the Human Rights Commission, because her work highlighted many of the dastardly things the government of the day was trying to get away with. This memoir tells of how she got there, and the key areas of advocacy during her tenure.
From the gender pay gap and representation, the vicious #loveislove debate to reach marriage equality in Australia, domestic violence, racism, treatment of our Aboriginal Australians - Triggs provides examples from her work to illustrate the challenges here in Australia around human rights. And are diminishing rights as a whole, based on law changes often contrary to our international obligations.
Human rights and Australia's tendency to voice concerns about other nations, while currently actively going against many fundamental principles and conventions in it's own dealings, is fleshed out brutally and well versed with case examples.
Triggs' coverage of refugees and people seeking asylum, from detention to cases breaching international law and conventions, are compelling.
The glaring absences in Australia's Constitution, and the strong argument for a national Bill of Rights, is the theme of this memoir, well argued. Triggs points out at present, it is our own country most likely to breach our human rights.
Sometimes it reads as a history of legal and political moves in Australia, when more of Gillian was sought by me as a reader. She acknowledged that putting herself in the pages was a hard task, when I saw her speak in October to launch the book. This is what lost a star for me; but otherwise a powerful review of frightening evidence of restrictions to Australians by legislation and politicians.
From the gender pay gap and representation, the vicious #loveislove debate to reach marriage equality in Australia, domestic violence, racism, treatment of our Aboriginal Australians - Triggs provides examples from her work to illustrate the challenges here in Australia around human rights. And are diminishing rights as a whole, based on law changes often contrary to our international obligations.
Human rights and Australia's tendency to voice concerns about other nations, while currently actively going against many fundamental principles and conventions in it's own dealings, is fleshed out brutally and well versed with case examples.
Triggs' coverage of refugees and people seeking asylum, from detention to cases breaching international law and conventions, are compelling.
The glaring absences in Australia's Constitution, and the strong argument for a national Bill of Rights, is the theme of this memoir, well argued. Triggs points out at present, it is our own country most likely to breach our human rights.
Sometimes it reads as a history of legal and political moves in Australia, when more of Gillian was sought by me as a reader. She acknowledged that putting herself in the pages was a hard task, when I saw her speak in October to launch the book. This is what lost a star for me; but otherwise a powerful review of frightening evidence of restrictions to Australians by legislation and politicians.
May 23, 2019
The only rating possible is 5 Stars if only for the subject matter covered. But for such heavy, detailed and highly emotive topics Ms Triggs covered this all in a very readable manner. It is a book that required the "stop and consider" method of reading for each chapter, just to allow the detail to settle and be understood enough move on to the next concern.
And each chapter deals with huge concerns in our modern times in our nation of Australia that we all call the "lucky country". It was slightly ironic to be reading this at the time of this latest Federal Election that was slated to be the election of change but the result was so different.
Each chapter I found I became so enraged at the inequality and cruelty in areas of the refugee policies, racial equality and policies and behaviours, civil rights, gender rights. Enraged and terrified was my responses. But it is essential reading for all (oh how I wish) , even if to help my fellow citizens understand the danger to themselves just because we do not have a Charter of Rights. Even if to start to understand the steady but frightening erosion of their own civil rights that have come into law in the last 20 years - I appeal to their own selfish sense of wellbeing let alone considering the wellbeing of others with less privileged around them in community
Thank you Gillian Triggs for all you did in your work at the Human Rights Commission. You were treated appallingly, as are so many women who step into higher office in Australia but you rose above it and kept on with your important work. And thank you for this book.
And each chapter deals with huge concerns in our modern times in our nation of Australia that we all call the "lucky country". It was slightly ironic to be reading this at the time of this latest Federal Election that was slated to be the election of change but the result was so different.
Each chapter I found I became so enraged at the inequality and cruelty in areas of the refugee policies, racial equality and policies and behaviours, civil rights, gender rights. Enraged and terrified was my responses. But it is essential reading for all (oh how I wish) , even if to help my fellow citizens understand the danger to themselves just because we do not have a Charter of Rights. Even if to start to understand the steady but frightening erosion of their own civil rights that have come into law in the last 20 years - I appeal to their own selfish sense of wellbeing let alone considering the wellbeing of others with less privileged around them in community
Thank you Gillian Triggs for all you did in your work at the Human Rights Commission. You were treated appallingly, as are so many women who step into higher office in Australia but you rose above it and kept on with your important work. And thank you for this book.
November 15, 2018
Gillian Triggs' five-year tenure as the Chair of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) proved to be both high-profile and controversial. The activities of the AHRC became subject to partisan rancour and media hit campaigns, leading to frequent stoushes with conservative politicians and commentators.
Triggs' AHRC was embroiled in a series of major human rights issues, including the treatment of asylum seekers, indigenous recognition, youth incarceration, racial discrimination, marriage equality and more. In Speaking Up, she delves into the issues and some high-profile cases, and sets out the legal background to the decisions that have been made.
A point Triggs makes repeatedly is that both the Parliament and the courts have abandoned their role in protecting the human rights of Australians and are waving through legislation that would not be tolerated in any comparable democracy. The core problem is that Australia has no charter of rights that courts can hold governments to, and Triggs argues that the time to solve this is now. Sadly, she does not offer much advice in how we might bring that about, but this book is still an important read for every Australian.
Triggs' AHRC was embroiled in a series of major human rights issues, including the treatment of asylum seekers, indigenous recognition, youth incarceration, racial discrimination, marriage equality and more. In Speaking Up, she delves into the issues and some high-profile cases, and sets out the legal background to the decisions that have been made.
A point Triggs makes repeatedly is that both the Parliament and the courts have abandoned their role in protecting the human rights of Australians and are waving through legislation that would not be tolerated in any comparable democracy. The core problem is that Australia has no charter of rights that courts can hold governments to, and Triggs argues that the time to solve this is now. Sadly, she does not offer much advice in how we might bring that about, but this book is still an important read for every Australian.
January 29, 2019
Less of an autobiography and more a collection of essays about Australia’s creeping and worrying slide away from the rule of law when it comes to human rights: this book made me angry, sad and worried at the same time. I think most Australians (myself included) are sadly naive about why now, more than ever, Australia needs a charter of rights. Whilst not unaware of many of the points discussed in the book, seeing the embarrassment of riches laid out in one thoughtfully and unemotionally argued book made me slightly ashamed and determined to hope and agitate for Australia to get back to its former position as an international leader in the field of human rights law: starting with a recognition of our Indigenous peoples in the Constitution. Not an easy read -with a some long legal passages and jargon- but a must-read.
September 15, 2019
This is a very important book; a highly detailed documentation of Australia’s human rights history since the 1970s by someone who has been at the cutting edge. Exposing many of the ‘holes’ in the way we treat (or should I say, mistreat) citizens who are already marginalised, it is hard to read, even though we have already heard about many of the cases Triggs presents, but her in-depth knowledge and experience certainly adds a new dimension to these stories. We come to understand how we got to now, and how we can change for the better - Triggs is still optimistic, so i will be too. Thank you for ‘Speaking Up’ Gillian, and for never giving up. We need more people like you.
June 15, 2020
Much of how I feel about this book has been expressed by other reviewers. Suffice to say the author opened my eyes to so much of what is deficient in Australia in relation to human rights, and to the ever increasing control of Parliament over areas of decision making that should beunder the powers of the judiciary.
While her writing is factual and unemotional, Ms Triggs manages to convey the horrors of inhumane treatment of so many of the voiceless in our society.
It’s a must read for Australians and anyone who wants to learn more about human rights.
While her writing is factual and unemotional, Ms Triggs manages to convey the horrors of inhumane treatment of so many of the voiceless in our society.
It’s a must read for Australians and anyone who wants to learn more about human rights.
August 21, 2021
A great introduction into key legal, constitutional and social issues in Australia, many of which I should know much more about. I found a few of her points to be slightly lacking nuance. Overall, though, I enjoyed the way in which it was written, almost as if it were a compilation of essays.
November 30, 2021
This was a fascinating and insightful memoir from former Australian Human Rights Commissioner Gillian Triggs on Australia’s need for a national charter of human rights and an overview of many of the human rights issues Triggs faced in her time with the Human Rights Commission.
Triggs is reasoned, clear and compassionate in her writing, as you would expect from such a dignified lawyer. She gives a compelling outline of the atrocities of some of Australia’s human rights breaches, the sheer hypocrisy of Australian parliament when it comes to rights infringements vs international reputation, and underlines it all with emphasis of the critical need for independent judicial accountability of government.
I did find the structure of this book a little unclear and at times slightly repetitive, but overall Speaking Up left me with a deeper understanding of many of the polarising political issues in Australia over the past few years, more insight into the context of the freedoms and rights most Australians enjoy, and the importance of not letting universal human rights erode.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the political and legal discussions in Australia. Particularly on the topics of marriage equality and religious freedom, refugees seeking asylum, discrimination and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration.
Triggs is reasoned, clear and compassionate in her writing, as you would expect from such a dignified lawyer. She gives a compelling outline of the atrocities of some of Australia’s human rights breaches, the sheer hypocrisy of Australian parliament when it comes to rights infringements vs international reputation, and underlines it all with emphasis of the critical need for independent judicial accountability of government.
I did find the structure of this book a little unclear and at times slightly repetitive, but overall Speaking Up left me with a deeper understanding of many of the polarising political issues in Australia over the past few years, more insight into the context of the freedoms and rights most Australians enjoy, and the importance of not letting universal human rights erode.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the political and legal discussions in Australia. Particularly on the topics of marriage equality and religious freedom, refugees seeking asylum, discrimination and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration.
August 18, 2019
What an amazing lady, and what an amazing, inspirational life she has led.
In her role as Human Rights Commissioner, and for many years before, she has argued for Human Rights on behalf of those who cannot do so themselves - Indigenous Australians, Asylum seekers, those who suffer domestic abuse, those who suffer bullying and vilification due to race and/or religion, gay people.
She rightly points out to our country's shame, that although our Government has signed International agreements on Human Rights, the principles have not been enacted into Australian Law, leaving the Government with an "out" regarding many issues, especially currently, asylum seekers.
The topic covered was dense. There were references to charters, treaties, conventions, Constitutional Law, International Law and more. Anecdotes describing conflicts were at times quite heart wrenching, and illustrated how cruel and hypocritical our Government can be at times.
My wish would be that all members of Parliament would read this book with an open mind, and realise that Australia could be a much better place if a Charter of Human Rights were to be implemented.
A powerful book that I would highly recommend to all who are interested in Human Rights and social justice.
In her role as Human Rights Commissioner, and for many years before, she has argued for Human Rights on behalf of those who cannot do so themselves - Indigenous Australians, Asylum seekers, those who suffer domestic abuse, those who suffer bullying and vilification due to race and/or religion, gay people.
She rightly points out to our country's shame, that although our Government has signed International agreements on Human Rights, the principles have not been enacted into Australian Law, leaving the Government with an "out" regarding many issues, especially currently, asylum seekers.
The topic covered was dense. There were references to charters, treaties, conventions, Constitutional Law, International Law and more. Anecdotes describing conflicts were at times quite heart wrenching, and illustrated how cruel and hypocritical our Government can be at times.
My wish would be that all members of Parliament would read this book with an open mind, and realise that Australia could be a much better place if a Charter of Human Rights were to be implemented.
A powerful book that I would highly recommend to all who are interested in Human Rights and social justice.
May 31, 2021
I'm doing an essay at the moment on protecting asylum seeker's fundamental human rights in administrative detention through an Australian Human Rights Charter. Triggs has provided a lot of helpful information backed up by statistics, evidence and personal experience. Not only has this book helped my essay but I am awed by Triggs. She is strong minded, determined, humble and someone who wholeheartedly believes in human rights for everyone. She is very inspirational.
I highly recommend this book because I feel Australians are unaware of the lack of protection we have with a human rights. This is especially true for minority groups who are unheard at elections and targeted by our governments who also undermine our independent judiciary.
I highly recommend this book because I feel Australians are unaware of the lack of protection we have with a human rights. This is especially true for minority groups who are unheard at elections and targeted by our governments who also undermine our independent judiciary.
October 31, 2019
In many places this reads as if a lawyer wrote it or something (yes I know).
Apart from that it is a good book. Much of it is not very exciting as she builds her case very carefully and with much evidence but it is the persuasive argument of a courageous, principled and intelligent woman. Some of it surprised me by being more modern and progressive than I would have expected on a broad spectrum of issues.
I read this book because Gillian Triggs is a hero to me, and having read it she is more of a hero to me than ever. I wish people like her ran the world, but I am grateful people like her at least do the work they do.
Apart from that it is a good book. Much of it is not very exciting as she builds her case very carefully and with much evidence but it is the persuasive argument of a courageous, principled and intelligent woman. Some of it surprised me by being more modern and progressive than I would have expected on a broad spectrum of issues.
I read this book because Gillian Triggs is a hero to me, and having read it she is more of a hero to me than ever. I wish people like her ran the world, but I am grateful people like her at least do the work they do.
November 16, 2018
Speaking up by Triggs was a harrowing read in that there are so many things wrong with parliament and the judiciary that only a Bill of Rights is needed to protect all of us from the Border Protection bullies who make more and more laws to stop refugees from coming to the mainland of Australia, even when they need medical attention. As President of the Human Rights Commission, her findings were dismissed and Senate enquiries denigrated her. She is a law academic and should have been respected as such. Was being a woman her only failing?
May 16, 2019
Scintillating points on her duty to AHRC for refugees. When your are belly-bloated with secured life routine, most ppl won’t think anything other than themselves. She is brave. Her 2nd marriage led her in politics. Is that the reason why she cares human rights? Doesn’t seem to be her focus in the past 1980s. A good book from the SLS Dean.. looking forward to another Dean’s book in this June from Ron McCallum ‘Born at the Right Time’ (maybe that’s the name?) Ex-Deans’ non-academic books are all interesting out of my curiosity
April 8, 2020
A great read for all human rights law enthusiasts! I did pick this up thinking it would be Triggs’ memoir, but it is more of a summary of human rights law in Australia with Triggs’ commentary and recount of her involvement in particular affairs. Her writing style is admirable; it is perfectly succinct yet effective in getting the reader to sense injustice where necessary. Although I don’t agree with her on all points (having been taught public law by a more “conservative” academic at uni), I loved reading her take on how Australia might benefit from a charter of human rights.
September 24, 2019
What a book filled of fact stating & myth busting of human rights issues within Australia including detention of asylum seekers & refugees, sexual harassment, marriage equality, incarnation of Indigenous Australians, disability discrimination....
What a fight she had during her time as President of Australia’s Human Rights Commission trying to hold the government of the time to account and uphold the Human Rights Charter.
What a fight she had during her time as President of Australia’s Human Rights Commission trying to hold the government of the time to account and uphold the Human Rights Charter.
April 23, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this book. After hearing Gillian speak at an event I was in awe of her passion and strength. This book displayed very little of this. It was often dry. Lacking emotion. And read more like a Uni essay than a memoir.
It was a well crafted book but lacked the life and emotion it needed to inspire readers.
If you want somewhat shocking facts about Australia and it's human rights violations, give this a crack. But it's a hard slog.
It was a well crafted book but lacked the life and emotion it needed to inspire readers.
If you want somewhat shocking facts about Australia and it's human rights violations, give this a crack. But it's a hard slog.
Read
June 21, 2020DNF at about 40%. Whilst it was interesting to listen to, I found a lot of the legal detail a little hard to understand comprehensively. Gillian has had a very interesting life and experiences. From chapters on feminism to refugees to politics there’s a lot to digest. Whilst I found it interesting, it wasn’t compelling enough to have me chomping at the bit to listen to more. Once my loan was up I didn’t renew it.
February 1, 2019
I was expecting more of an auto-biography but only the first part of this book is about Gillian Triggs herself. The majority explores the major human rights problems currently facing Australia. A strong read, and increased my legal understanding significantly, even though the book wasn't what I was expecting.
February 18, 2021
This was a book that proves how ignorant we can be on our basic rights, as until reading this was not aware of how backwards Australia is with human rights. My concern is how over-legislated and confusing the current laws are - making this quagmire or desperate and confusing work-arounds to plug holes in previous legislation.
Thanks to this book, I agree to advocating a charter of rights.
Thanks to this book, I agree to advocating a charter of rights.
September 30, 2021
Informative, mostly engaging, tale of Triggs' career and involvement in defending human rights over many years. She makes a good case for an Australian bill of Rights, not least of all by demonstrating how, despite Australia's position on paper, human rights have been eroded and given mere lip service by successive Australian governments.
April 11, 2021
Brutally honest about her role as a Human Rights Advocate, Commissioner and teacher. Not a pretty read when you dig down into how we fail Internationally and the excuses we provide to explain our behaviour.
October 27, 2018
Gillian Triggs is a wonderful person and humanitarian. One of best books I have read in years!
December 28, 2018
Interesting and persuasive. I hadn't until now really consisted the fact that Australia doesn't have a charter of human rights, but I'm now quite thoroughly convinced that we need one.
January 20, 2019
Very readable. Gillian Triggs covers so many aspects of shameful treatment in Australia today, and why it happens. Thought provoking and important reading for all Australians
March 14, 2019
Gillian Triggs is a wonderful and brave woman who tells it like it is.
Her book has left me feeling angry, despondent and thoroughly ashamed of the Australian Government.
Her book has left me feeling angry, despondent and thoroughly ashamed of the Australian Government.
April 13, 2019
Highly recommended reading for all Australians!
May 28, 2019
A must read for every Australian! I felt the legislative changes were a bit strange, and it’s good to see someone lay it out clearly and succinctly
August 19, 2019
Very interesting overview of the application and Human Rights laws in Australia. Specially moving the reading about asylum seekers.
September 14, 2019
The audiobook is narrated by Triggs and she's not a natural narrator, but her discussion of human rights is comprehensive and insightful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews