Politicians like to talk about the alleged value of mateship and sticking together and fairness, but many of those same politicians are quick to turn on vulnerable sections of the community the minute they think it will win them popular support. Luckily, we live in a country of laws where those in power are subject to checks and balances and accountability. Luckily, we have a constitution that defends our rights. Or do we? Richard Denniss asks law professor George Williams about why Australia is the only democracy without a bill of rights, and Simon Sheikh about why the government is attacking GetUp!, the organisation he once led. Economist Chris Fry joins to ask whether Australia is living beyond its means.

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