Like the citizens of every country, the citizens of Australia have human rights too. Human rights are a vital part of our lives, and it is for everyone, everywhere, daily. Human rights have been made based on some values that improve the quality of life of every individual. The basis of these rights are – values of equality, freedom, and dignity.
Australia has an excellent human rights record, but not all records are perfect. There are anomalies everywhere, and people are discriminated against for various reasons like race, color, sex, sexuality, disability, or any other aspect that defines them.
Australia’s human rights have been purely developed under the Australian Parliament Democracy through defining laws in specific contexts. Australia also has an established human rights statutory body, the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Before we talk about the measures taken to ensure human rights in Australia, let’s learn more about their shortcomings.
Here is the list of human rights issues that persist in Australia –
- Certain groups in Australia are exposed to human rights abuses.
- They are residents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands, asylum seekers, and migrants who come from non-English speaking states. You may not know if you are an Australian citizen. Being a citizen gives you more rights; to get proof that you are an Australian citizen, apply for form 119 Australian citizenship.
- People who are physically disabled and lie in poverty are exposed to inhumane treatment.
- Workers in offices face discrimination based on their age, race, gender, and color.
- Other people with different sexual orientations and those part of the LGBTQ community are very often bullied and mentally harassed.
- Children and young adults become victims of violence in playgrounds and schools.
Now that we have discussed the issues the people of Australia are facing, let’s talk about what the government of Australia is doing to protect its citizens from human rights violations.
Here is a list of measures taken in the Australian Constitution to ensure human rights and also the laws existing to protect people-
- Section 41 empowers the right to vote.
- Section 51 allows the power of acquisition to the Commonwealth
- Section 80 highlights a jury’s right to trial for indictable offenses.
- Section 92 ensures freedom of interstate trade, communication, and commerce among the States.
- Section 116 prevents Commonhealth from allowing laws that establish a religion, impose religious observance, or require a test based on your religion to qualify for a public office.
- Section 117 bans discrimination based on State residence.
- Age Discrimination Act, 1992
- Disability Discrimination Act, 1992
- Racial Discrimination Act, 1975
- Sex Discrimination Act, 1984
- Australian Humans Right Commission Act, 1986
What Are The Functions Of The Australian Human Rights Commission?
- Investigating the complaints of discrimination and breach of human rights
- Holding public inquiries and making people aware of human rights issues, and recommending ways to address them
- Developing education programs and resources for workplaces, schools, and the rest of the community
- They provide legal assistance to lawyers and courts regarding any human rights courses they are solving. Learn more about those lawyers.
- It provides suggestions and recommendations to Parliaments and Governments to develop laws in the interest of human rights and also to amend those that already exist.
Now You Know
So there was all that you needed to know about the Human Rights laws in Australia. Having said that, we hope that you now have a brief idea about it and will continue to learn more about the topic.
