In 2009 an unparalleled 34,000 submissions were generated on the issue of whether or not Australia should adopt a bill of rights or human rights act.
Though it was clear from the submissions that Australians believe passionately in giving everyone ‘a fair go’, the government of the day, led by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, ignored recommendations for Australia to adopt a human rights act.
Australia is still the only western democracy without a human rights act or charter and since that missed opportunity, Australia’s human rights record has been extraordinarily inconsistent.
Earlier this month Professor Gillian Triggs, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne, spoke at an Amnesty International and ANU Law School event on the subject.
Read the transcript of Professor Gillian Triggs’ speech.
How you can take action
The government must legislate a Human Rights Act so that people have the power to take action when their human rights are violated, and so that everyone’s rights are respected and protected.
- Sign the petition calling on the Albanese government to legislate a Human Rights Act
- Email your local MP and let them know you support protecting all our human rights in law.
As a global movement of 10 million people, and 500,000 people in Australia, Amnesty International has the people power to build public support for a Human Rights Act. Learn more about what are human rights and our Human Rights Act campaign work.
