Charter of Human Rights
Our vision:
An Australia where human rights are properly protected in law, and where we all have the power to take action if our rights are breached.
What you need to know
As a society, we are at our best when the values we all share – like fairness, equality and compassion – are properly reflected and protected in our laws. Yet Australia is the only western democracy without a national charter of rights or equivalent law.
A national human rights charter would help ensure that every person can live a decent, dignified life. It would help shape better policies and put human rights at the heart of government decision making. It would also enable people and communities to take action if their rights are violated. This is why the Human Rights Law Centre started a campaign for an Australian Charter of Human Rights.
Australia is the only western democracy without a charter or equivalent law
76 civil society organisations support the campaign
New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the U.K. all benefit from having their human rights protected in a Charter
Over 6000 people have signed our petition so far
What we’re focussing on
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The Human Rights Law Centre is coordinating the public campaign to create an Australian Charter of Human Rights. The campaign has the support of a wide range of community and not-for-profit organisations. We meet with politicians to increase political support for a Charter of Rights.
We are working with legal experts and receiving pro bono support from law firm Gilbert + Tobin to draft a model Charter to encourage the federal government to adopt this important legal reform. So far, over 6000 people have signed our public petition calling for a Charter of Rights.
You can find out more about the campaign here:
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The Human Rights Law Centre is also supporting efforts to achieve Human Rights Charters in New South Wales and Western Australia, and support current efforts to strengthen the Charter operating in the ACT. We will support civil society organisations in other states and territories that launch a campaign to win a Charter or strengthen their existing one where that is required. We want to secure Charters in all Australian jurisdictions to ensure better legal protection of human rights across Australia.
Latest work and updates
101 Cases
Charters of Human Rights Make Our Lives Better. Read the 101 cases showing how.
How you can help
Donate to support the movement for a Charter of Rights
Be part of the movement for a Charter of Rights for Australia. Make a donation to help advance the campaign.
Join the campaign for a national Charter of Human Rights
Join the push to make a Charter of Human Rights a reality. Together we can ensure everyone’s rights are properly protected and that people and communities have the power to hold governments to account.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news on social media
Join the Charter campaign’s social media community for daily conversation on how a Charter can make a difference.