Australia is the only major democracy in the world that doesn’t have a national law to protect human rights. Even though we’ve agreed to follow international human rights rules, our national laws don’t fully protect basic rights like free speech, safe housing, or protection from abuse.

A national Human Rights Law would make sure everyone’s rights—like the right to be treated fairly, live with dignity, and have equal opportunities—are protected by law. This would help all Australians, especially those who are more likely to face unfair treatment, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, older people, children, and people from different cultural backgrounds.

Some states and territories like Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT already have their own human rights laws. But there's no law that applies across the whole country. Recent government investigations have shown serious cases where people's rights were violated. These problems might have been avoided if a national law had been in place.

A national Human Rights Law would:

• Make sure government bodies think about people’s rights when making decisions
• Allow people to take action if their rights are violated
• Help keep the government honest and accountable
• Promote fairness and respect for everyone

Most people in Australia support having a national Human Rights Law, but many mistakenly think we already have one.

It’s time for Australia to put proper protections in place. A national Human Rights Law would help build a fairer, stronger country where everyone’s rights are respected.

Arab Council Australia has just joined the growing list of organisations supporting the establishment of a Human Rights Act.

For more information on the campaign, please refer to this link: https://www.humanrightsact.org.au/

Hassan Moussa

CEO, Arab Council Australia