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Calls grow for an Australian Human Rights Act

Many Australians may be shocked to realise that Australia does not have a Human Rights Act.

While we do have a patchwork of anti-discrimination laws (including state-based Acts in Victoria, Queensland and the ACT), we do not have a nationally consistent set of laws that ensure governments and politicians make decisions that are in line with our fundamental human rights and values.

That’s why a coalition of over 150 civil society organisations, including the FSU, are calling on the Federal Government to implement an Australian Human Rights Act, something that is long overdue. And now, our calls have been echoed by nine countries including the UK, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland and South Africa.  

An Australian Human Rights Act will ensure that the values we all share – like fairness, respect, dignity and compassion – are always at the heart of all government decisions, laws, and services, including health, housing, and education.

It will clearly articulate our human rights and freedoms so that everyone from school kids to new migrants can uphold their rights and stand up for what we value as a community.

Australians talk a lot about the ‘fair go’. Now, let’s hardwire that into our democracy!

Find out more and join the campaign today

If you’re passionate about human rights and want to get more active, consider joining our FSU Human Rights Network – a committee dedicated to making a positive difference in our workplaces, our communities, and around the world.

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