News

Browse News

Commission – General

Site navigation

by President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission John von Doussa QC Human Rights Medal and Awards Ceremony Sheraton on the Park Hotel, Sydney

Commission – General

Why we need an Australian Bill of Rights - a Joint Forum

The first is that HREOC has been suggesting for a considerable time that there needs to be renewed public debate on whether Australia should have a charter of human rights of some sort. It seems that the launch of the New Matilda campaign will give momentum to such a debate. A lot has changed, both nationally and internationally since the unsuccessful attempts of the 1970s and the 1980s to interest Australians in a bill of rights. As is so often said, Australia has now become the only major Western democracy that does not have a bill of rights.

Commission – General

Address to Tri-State Country Conference, Broken Hill

I also want to make mention of the fact that we are 130kn south west of an area of great significance to the Aboriginal communities of western NSW, which is now called Mutawintji National Park - the first park to be handed back to its Traditional Owners under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act in 1998. [1] The caves and overhangs in the park have been transformed into expansive galleries of Aboriginal rock art, and it comes as no surprise that they have formed the backdrop for ceremonies for at least 8,000 years.

Being a young person can be tough. Sometimes it can feel like you don’t have a say about things that affect you. But you do! Having a say is one of your rights. Understanding your rights will give you the power to stand up for yourself and the people around you. So, let’s break down what children’s rights are.

My rights as a young person

What is a right?

Human rights are special protections that help us live a happy, healthy life. Human rights protect the things that we should all have—like clean water and safety. Your rights should always be respected and never taken away from you.

Universal and equal rights

Human rights are universal and equal. Which means:

Everyone has human rights, simply because they are human—no matter who they are, how they identify, or what language they speak, or if they have a disability.
No right is more important than another—all rights are important and should be treated with the same respect.

children holding hands on a hill at sunset

Did you know there are 42 rights just for children?

Children have special rights to meet their special needs. They are written down in an agreement made by world leaders in 1989—the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

See all 42 rights for children

Adults are responsible for making sure children get the special care they need to grow up healthy and happy.

Here are some important rights for children

You have the right to:

Be treated fairly no matter what.
Have a say about decisions affecting you.
Live and grow up healthy.
Have people do what is best for you.
Know who you are and where you come from.
Privacy.
Find out information and express yourself.
Be safe no matter where you are.
Be cared for and have a home.
Education, play, and cultural activities.
Believe what you want.
Help and protection if you need it.

What do rights look like in real life?

Let’s use some examples to help you understand your rights.

My right to an education

All children have the right to an education.

Hunter lives hundreds of kilometres away from the closest school, but still has a right to an education.
A teacher supports Hunter remotely by sending them lessons and holding classes online.

My right to be heard

All children have the right to be heard and have their views taken into account.

Amara has the right to a safe place to live.
A community support worker listens to Amara’s concerns about where she lives. The worker helps Amara find a safer place.

My right to enjoy my culture

All children have a right to know who they are and where they come from.

Nayuka has the right to learn about her culture.
A cultural program teaches her about her mob, her culture, and how to care for Country.

Commission – General

Opinion Pieces Archive

The following opinion pieces have been published by the President and Commissioners. Reproduction of the opinion pieces must include reference to where the opinion piece was originally published.