The Legal Landscape
Unlike many other democratic nations, Australia does not have a single, entrenched national Bill of Rights. Instead, human rights protections are spread across a patchwork of constitutional provisions, federal and state laws, and common law principles. The Australian Human Rights Commission plays a central role in promoting and protecting these rights, yet much debate surrounds whether a comprehensive legislative framework is needed.
Civil society groups, legal experts, and community leaders often call for stronger, explicit protections. The absence of a federal human rights act means advocacy often focuses on targeted reforms—for example, anti-discrimination laws and protections for vulnerable groups.