Get Involved

LOBBY THE GOVERNMENT AND YOUR LOCAL MP

The attorney-general, Robert McClelland, has already advised his intention to hold nationwide public consultations about the human rights that Parliament should protect and a set of aspirational responsibilities.

We therefore invite you to join us in voicing your support for added human rights protection in Australia and in calling for the earliest possible commencement of the promised consultation process.

We suggest that you send a letter or email to the Prime Minister and the Attorney General, as well your own local member of parliament. For contact details:

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The Hon Robert McClelland MP
Attorney General
R.McClelland.MP@aph.gov.au
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2601

You can also find a complete list of parliamentarians on http://www.aph.gov.au/index.htm

To help we’ve listed below a number of talking points you can draw on in composing your letter or emails but you can also refer for more background information to our web-site www.humanrightsact.com.au

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• I urge the government to commence this process asap; so we can see this process concluded and see the necessary legislation passed before the end of this parliamentary term. (anticipating a positive outcome)

• Community consultations in Victoria, WA and Tasmania recorded overwhelming public support for added human rights protection in Australia, as has public polling.

• The introduction of a Bill or Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities would provide a clear and agreed statement of the core values that underpin our democracy in Australia.

• Although a signatory to the UN’s principal human rights instruments which identify the fundamental human rights that should be guaranteed for all people, Australia has never enacted the domestic laws necessary to guarantee these rights, unlike any other comparable democracy.

• Australia recently indicated its commitment to reinvigorating its role in the international community. Introducing comprehensive human rights legislation would be a signal to the international community of Australia’s commitment to human rights; we would finally also walk the walk.

• Australians live in a comparatively free and open society where fundamental human rights such as the freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, freedom of association and freedom from detention without trial have enjoyed a significant degree of respect. It therefore comes as a surprise to many that Australia stands alone amongst Western democracies in its failure to give full legal protection to these rights.

• Contrary to what opponents are claiming, protection of human rights in Australia is very patchy and the law is inconsistently applied. These limitations became particularly apparent over the past decade, with the indefinite detention of asylum seekers, the wrongful deportation of Australian citizens and the placing of children behind razor wire. The list goes on.

VOLUNTEER

The campaign is totally run by volunteers. You can make a contribution towards protecting the human rights of all Australians by assisting us with our campaign.

Initially we will be lobbying government to help ensure that the promised nation-wide human rights consultations take place as soon as possible.

Then we will be working, in collaboration with other interested organisations and individuals, to raise community awareness and encourage participation in the consultation process.

If you can spare even a few hours per week, we need your help in writing emails and letters, doing research, calling organisations, and monitoring the media. From time to time we also run or participate in human rights events so need help in organising these or even in presenting at them.

There are plenty of things you can do to help if you have access to a phone and a computer. Please send an email to campaign@humanrightsact.com.au for more information.

DONATIONS

We need money to run the campaign. Australia is very large and we are holding events right across it. Even small donations help. To find out how to make your donation please send as an email or visit our Contact Page.

MAKE A COMMENT

We want to know what you think. We’re in the process of setting up noticeboard where you can have your say but if you If you have any questions or ideas in the meantime please Contact Us.