The federal election on Saturday, May 3 isn’t just about which party wins; it’s about the country and world we want to live in and leave for future generations.
Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility. By using our voice, we can ensure that the leaders of our government make decisions and pass laws that protect our human rights. Our Human Rights Agenda offers a roadmap for action – see the full agenda here.
We must protect our human rights in our laws before it’s too late
Right now, there are many Australians whose fundamental human rights are not protected. Whether it’s students who can’t find a home as rents skyrocket, or a lack of bulk billing doctors meaning people can’t access healthcare. Single parents are forced to make heartbreaking decisions between keeping a roof over their family’s heads or putting food on the table.
How can this still be happening to the ‘lucky country’?
The answer: Australia still does not have a law protecting our human rights. We’re the only liberal democracy in the world without one.
Without a Human Rights Act, there is no framework to challenge human rights abuses. As it stands, people in power can continue to abuse our human rights – forcing thousands of Australians to scrape by.
We must protect our human rights in our laws before it’s too late.
To the next government: Protect our human rights
Last year, we called out to our inspiring group of change-makers, collecting stories on how our human rights are being abused. In the lead-up to the federal election, we have been sharing these stories with candidates to show them that people all around Australia need a Human Rights Act.
That way, when the next government is elected, they’ll know that people want them to protect their human rights in law.
From all the powerful stories that were shared, we worked with Hayden, Isabella, and Roman to highlight their experiences which sadly, are echoed by so many across Australia.
Hayden (he/they)
In Australia, too many trans people still face discrimination, violence, and barriers to healthcare – simply for being who they are.
It’s time for a federal Human Rights Act.
“An attack on trans rights is an attack on everyone”
Hayden
Isabella
Rent, groceries, utilities – everything’s becoming unaffordable, and Isabella is living through it as a student.
It’s time to demand that basic human rights, like healthcare, be guaranteed through a federal Human Rights Act.
“The cost-of-living crisis is impacting me in a very day-to-day way. My rent used to be about $260 a week and is now $370 a week”
Isabella
Roman
Housing isn’t a privilege – it’s a human right. Roman’s story is a powerful reminder of why we need change. It’s time for a Human Rights Act in Australia.
“Right now in Australia, there is no legal right to housing. People can be unfairly evicted, denied a home, or left on a long waiting list for social housing.
“A Human Rights Act would make the government responsible for ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing”
Roman
It’s clear that now more than ever, establishing a federal Human Rights Act that forces the federal government to consider our human rights and gives people a tool to take action is crucial.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our human rights work.
