2006 Human Rights Essay Competition

Castan Centre Congratulates Essay Competition Winners

Click on the links to read the winning students' essays.

Monash University Law School, in conjunction with The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, would like to congratulate Tom Ballard, winner of its 2006 Human Writes Essay Competition. Tom’s school, Brauer College, in Warrnambool, was also named the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law School of Excellence for its outstanding effort across the board.

The competition was open to all Victorian Year 11 and 12 students, who were asked to write on the topic “We have more to fear from the State than from terrorists.” Students were allowed to argue either for or against the statement.  The response to the competition was tremendous, with almost 100 entries, highlighting the interest young people have with this current and extremely controversial topic.

Tom’s thought-provoking essay contended that terrorism was not a new phenomenon, and rather what is unique to terrorism in today’s age is not its frequency but the heightened sense of fear that surrounds it. He was presented with his $1500 prize by Castan Centre Associate Director, Paula Gerber, during the Monash Law School’s annual law week debate. 

Place-getters and recipients of special commendation awards were also presented with their prizes.  Second prize and $1000 went to James Gullaci from Carey Baptist Grammar School. James persuasively argued that legislation aimed at preventing terrorist activities was disproportionately draconian and was a far greater threat to contemporary society and collective human rights than the actions of terrorists. Third prize and $500 went to Alicia Cheah from Genezzano College.  Alicia explored the operations of Singapore’s Internal Security Department and concluded that such organisations could be more effective in oppressing civilians than dealing with terrorist threats. Certificates of commendation for their outstanding submissions were awarded to Jade Cleggett of Eumemmerring College, Isabelle Lane of Loreto Mandeville Hall and Nghi Kiem of Lowther Hall.    

The judging panel was greatly impressed overall with entrants’ ability to explore both the specifics and generalities of the topic and the manner in which they contrasted the effects of State and terrorist actions on civil liberties.  They were especially buoyed by the great response of students from Mazenod College, Eumemmerring Secondary College, Carey Baptist Grammar School and, of course, Brauer College.

The Castan Centre, in conjunction with the Monash University Law School, would like to thank all of those students and schools who contributed to the great success of this year’s Human Writes Essay Competition. We hope that both students and schools will continue their strong commitment to issues of such great social importance and that their activism will inspire others to become involved in seeking justice and a fair go for all.