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Following years of calls for stronger human rights protections, more than 50,000 Australians are urging the Albanese government to introduce a national Human Rights Act, with a petition presented to cross-party federal MPs and senators at Parliament House on Thursday (20 August).
As part of the Human Rights Act Campaign – supported by 184 organisations – the Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) and Amnesty International Australia organised a petition that was presented to cross-party federal MPs and senators at Parliament House.
More than 50,000 Australians are calling on the Albanese government to establish a national Human Rights Act, following years of advocacy for enhanced human rights protections.
The strength of this community support demonstrates the clear and increasing demand for legal protection, as Arif Hussein, senior lawyer at the HRLC, noted.
“Every person in Australia deserves human rights protections; as this petition shows, there is sustained, ongoing, and widespread community support for an act.
“More than 50,000 people are calling for an act, and more than 180 organisations across First Nations, health, legal, women’s, multicultural, disability, and human rights groups,” Hussein said.
Evidence from Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT showed that Human Rights Acts improve people’s lives every day.
Examples include preventing single mothers fleeing domestic violence from being forcibly evicted, helping people with disabilities access support services, and supporting children to access education.
The development coincides with mounting apprehension regarding the current gaps in legal safeguards, prompting demands for a comprehensive public dialogue and a legislative framework to better protect every person across the nation.
How a Human Rights Act may strengthen protections and accountability
According to the HRLC, implementing such a legislative framework would establish transparent and binding safeguards, ensuring that federal policy-making and governmental actions prioritise the welfare of individuals.
The petition presentation follows a renewed push for an act by Andrew Wilkie MP, and seconded by Dr Helen Haines MP, in May.
Notably, in 2024, the parliamentary joint committee on human rights inquiry called for an Australian Human Rights Act, yet concerns were raised about whether legislation of such nature would grant excessive power to the courts.
Hussein highlighted that the need for stronger protections is clear when noticing what happens when governments fail to safeguard people’s rights.
“An Australian Human Rights Act would provide clear human rights protections so that new policies, decisions, and laws by the Federal Parliament have to put people first,” Hussein said.
“This will reduce the likelihood of human rights being breached in the first place and give people a tool to challenge injustice and hold public authorities accountable when breaches occur.
“From robodebt, to the aged care royal commission to immigration detention, we see the consequences of federal laws and policies that fail to protect fundamental rights.
“Currently, when major human rights abuses occur in Australia, the government will set up a royal commission or similar official inquiries; while some inquiries have led to significant reform, too often detailed recommendations remain unimplemented, and the abuse continues.”
Community and political leaders urge federal action
With more than 50,000 people backing the campaign, calls for a national Human Rights Act are growing louder.
Advocates said federal protections are urgently needed to ensure everyone can access essential rights and challenge unfair treatment.
Caitlin Reiger, CEO of the HRLC, said existing state-based laws show what a national framework could achieve.
“Every person deserves respect, dignity, and equality, regardless of bank balance or postcode.
“The Albanese government and Federal Parliament should legislate an Australian Human Rights Act so that everyone can enjoy their human rights,” Reiger said.
Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Services, said a federal act would help extend those protections to people across the country.
“A federal Human Rights Act is a critical tool to help ensure everyone gets what they need to live a good life,” Goldie said.
Annie Butler, federal secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, said stronger rights protections would support access to essential services and safer work.
“The benefits of a national Human Rights Act cannot be understated … it will work alongside existing frameworks to ensure the equitable and accessible delivery of essential health services and housing,” Butler said
Hussein recognised that this push for a Human Rights Act is not only coming from the community, but also a growing recognition of the need for stronger protections within Parliament.
“Earlier this year, we saw a renewed push for an act in Parliament by Andrew Wilkie MP and seconded by Dr Helen Haines MP,” Hussein said.
“While these clear examples and parliamentary reviews are essential, it needs to be joined by clear community support.
“The message to the Albanese government is clear: there is strong support for a Human Rights Act and for our human rights to be protected in law.
“50,000 people have spoken, now it’s time for the government to act.”
