Australian Human Rights Commission push for Human Rights Act welcomed

The Human Rights Law Centre welcomes the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) release of a position paper calling for a Federal Human Rights Act. 

The AHRC paper, Free + Equal endorses the clear calls made by the Human Rights Law Centre and a coalition of over 80 organisations urging the Federal Government to follow the examples set by Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory and adopt a legally enforceable Federal Human Rights Act. 

A Federal Human Rights Act will help prevent human rights violations, provide a powerful tool to challenge injustice, and foster understanding and respect for human rights. 

Caitlin Reiger, CEO at the Human Rights Law Centre said: 

“Human Rights Acts are about ensuring that the values we all share – like fairness, respect, dignity and compassion – are always at the heart of all government decisions, laws and policies. We welcome the Australian Human Rights Commission’s position paper that illustrates how to make this a reality. 

“Australia is the only western liberal democracy without a Human Rights Act or similar in our laws. We see time after time situations where people have their rights violated but they are unable to take effective action, as shown in the Aged Care and Disability Royal Commissions to name two examples. We urge the Albanese Government to adopt the Human Rights Commission position paper so that everyone is free to enjoy their rights. 

"A Human Rights Act means that government decision making must factor in human rights at the outset, and people can take action when their rights are being breached.” 

Learn more about the campaign for an Australian Human Rights Act 

Read Free + Equal, Australian Human Rights Commission’s model on a National Human Rights Act

Background 

Human Rights Acts promote respect for human rights and give people power to take action if their rights are breached. 

In Australia, Queensland (2019), Victoria (2006) and ACT (2004) all have protected human rights through charters of human rights. Recently, the “101 Cases” report and website highlighted 101 examples of people’s rights being protected by the Human Rights Acts or Charters that exist in the ACT, Victoria and Queensland. They also highlight the need for a national Human Rights Act. Read the 101 cases here