Welcome to the Human Rights Act for Australia Campaign

The Brennan Report following the national consultation has set out a well considered and effective approach to improving human rights protection in Australia.

The terms of this proposal are similar to the “New Matilda” model our campaign committee has advocated over the last four years.

An act of parliament would list the major human rights based on Australia’s ratification of the key UN rights conventions and declarations. Parliament and the bureaucracy would have a clear and strong role in ensuring all legislation coming into the parliament had undergone consideration of these rights.

A joint parliamentary committee would monitor and report on human rights matters. An alleged violation of rights could go to the High Court. The High Court could consider consistency with the human rights act. A finding of inconsistency by the court would go back to parliament. Parliament would consider what action if any to take. The court could not strike down or change legislation. Where parliament wished to exclude a law from coverage by the human rights act, that decision would be explicit.

Under this model, contrary to the fear mongering from some opponents, parliament would remain sovereign. The greatest effect would be on commonwealth agents dealing with vulnerable people.
Note it is not intended that the act apply to the private sector, NGO’s or church bodies .It is about how the commonwealth treats individuals with whom it deals.

The Australian Human Rights Group has written to all MP’s setting out our views and seeking meetings. Meetings with the Prime Minister and the Attoroney General are on the agenda.

Please convey your support to all Minsters and as many MP’s and senators as possible, in person, by letter, phone or email.

Opponents continue to get media prominence and repeat fears that bear no relation to what is actually proposed. Freedom of religion would be one of the basic rights protected. But some claiming to represent church positions continue to allege the proposed act endangers religious freedom. There is no basis for this claim.
Many church people are of course strong and public supporters of the Brennan proposal.
MP’s are always affected by voters’ views, so make yours known.

You are a part of the vast majority of Australians who support an Act, and your actions are crucial to getting the government to implement the Brennan report.

Susan Ryan AO, Human Rights Act for Australia campaign Chair. Australian Human Rights Group Chair.