The NHRC is an historic opportunity for individuals and communities throughout Australia to improve our democracy. The Human Rights Law Resource Centre encourages all Australians to have their say about the protection of fundamental values such as freedom, respect, dignity and a fair go.
There are at least 3 significant ways in which you could contribute to the NHRC and support improved protection of human rights in Australia:
1. Make a submission. Submissions to the National Human Rights Consultation are due by 15 June 2009 and should address the following questions:
Which human rights (including corresponding responsibilities) should be protected and promoted?
Are these human rights currently sufficiently protected and promoted?
How could Australia better protect and promote human rights?
The Human Rights Law Resource Centre has developed a range of resources to help stakeholders make a submission, including a comprehensive discussion paper and case studies on how a Human Rights Act can promote dignity and address disadvantage (at www.hrlrc.org.au).
Submissions can be made online at www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au
2. Encourage and work with clients and networks to make a submission. The Centre has developed a ‘Consultation and Submission Toolkit’, available at www.hrlrc.org.au.
3. Attend, and mobilise clients and networks to attend, one of the Community Roundtables being run by the NHRC. There are Community Roundtables being run in the following towns in the week beginning 19 April 2009:
· Adelaide;
· Mintabie;
· Coober Pedy;
· Whyalla; and
· Mt Gambier.
The specific dates, times and venues of the Roundtables being held in South Australia are as yet unannounced but will be posted at www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au in the near future.
Please inform all clients and networks that they should register their intention to attend the Roundtables as early as possible at www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au
