50,000 people call for Australian Human Rights Act

Over 50,000 people are calling on the Albanese Government to put human rights protections at the heart of Australian laws, with a petition for a Human Rights Act being handed to a cross-section of Labor, Greens and independent Federal MPs and Senators at Parliament House today, Thursday 20 August.

The petition is organised by the Human Rights Law Centre and Amnesty International Australia as part of the Human Rights Act Campaign, which is backed by 184 organisations.

The evidence from Victoria, Queensland and the ACT show that Human Rights Acts improve people’s lives every day. Examples include preventing single mothers fleeing domestic violence from being forcibly evicted, helping people with disability access support services, and supporting children to access education.

An Australian Human Rights Act would provide a clear set of enforceable human rights protections so that federal government decisions and policies centre people. An Act would enshrine the common values of respect, dignity, equality and justice into Australian laws, and it would give people a tool to challenge injustice when their rights are violated.

The petition presentation comes after a renewed push for an Act by Andrew Wilkie MP and seconded by Dr Helen Haines MP in May. In May 2024, a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry called for an Australian Human Rights Act.

Quote attributed to Nikita White, Strategic Campaigner, Amnesty International Australia:

"With 50,000 people behind the campaign, the need for a Human Rights Act is more urgent than ever. A Human Rights Act would give Australians a powerful tool to take action when their rights are violated. Australians need that tool now more than ever – whether it’s a family living in their car because they can’t afford housing, or a pensioner putting off a doctor’s appointment because they can’t afford healthcare. A Human Rights Act would help people build better lives for themselves and those around them, ensuring everyone can enjoy their rights to housing, healthcare, a healthy environment and more."

Quote attributed to Caitlin Reiger, CEO, Human Rights Law Centre:

“Every person deserves respect, dignity and equality, regardless of bank balance or postcode. Human Rights Acts in Victoria, Queensland and the ACT have helped people stay in housing, access medical care and given people a tool to challenge unfair treatment when injustice happens. The Albanese Government and Federal Parliament should legislate an Australian Human Rights Act so that everyone can enjoy their human rights.”

Quote attributed to Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO, Australian Council of Social Services:  

“A federal Human Rights Act is a critical tool to help ensure everyone gets what they need to live a good life, including an adequate income, housing, health, education, and a healthy environment. Human Rights Acts in Queensland, Victoria and the ACT are already improving lives, including stopping unfair evictions and making public spaces and services accessible to everyone. We urgently need a federal Act so those benefits are across the country.”

Quote attributed to Annie Butler, Federal Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation: 

“The benefits of a national Human Rights Act cannot be understated. It will work alongside existing frameworks to ensure the equitable and accessible delivery of essential health services and housing. It will protect the right of workers to safe and dignified work. The ANMF believes that getting these basics right improves the health and well-being of people across the community and allows everyone to enjoy their lives.”

Quote attributed to Toby O’Connor, CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia:

“A federal Human Rights Act would put people front and centre in the services and support systems in our country. It would help ensure that all of us are treated equally and able to access what we need, when we need it, to live a decent life."

Quote attributed to Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO, People With Disability Australia:

“People with disability are still being shut out of classrooms, denied the healthcare they need and having decisions about their own lives made for them. The Disability Royal Commission showed us where that can lead. We need a Human Rights Act that protects our rights in law and gives us somewhere to turn when those rights are breached.”

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of more than 40,000 Members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

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