One simple Act for all Australians
Dear friend,
© micn2sugars (flickr) Some important news: just hours ago the Attorney General announced steps that our Government will take towards the absolute prohibition against torture, both internationally and at home1.
Thanks to your support we’re one step closer to living up to our global obligations.
But we can’t rest there. Just because we’ve signed an international agreement doesn’t always mean these standards will apply to you, me and everyone in Australia. That’s why we need a Human Rights Act - and unbelievably we’re the only liberal democratic nation that doesn’t have one.
Human rights are the bedrock of a modern democratic society. They guarantee us our freedoms. They’re what we look to in times of uncertainty. They’re what protect the vulnerable, poor and marginalised.
Right now we have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our rights and freedoms by participating in the Government's nationwide human rights consultation. We’ve already generated over 6,000 personalised submissions but the consultation period finishes in mid-June and now is our last chance to make our voices heard in shaping Australia’s future.
Make your personal submission now using Amnesty's easy four-step online form - it won't take you longer than five minutes!
Human rights are not a luxury for the good times. With the economic downturn there has never been a more important time to protect the rights of all Australians - including the elderly, the young, women and Indigenous peoples. We're talking about a fair go for all.
History shows that our hard-won rights are fragile. The social and political climate can change quickly in times of uncertainty - and it’s at these times a Human Rights Act will help maintain standards of living and justice that all people should enjoy.
Take your last chance to make a personalised submission to the national consultation process, and call for a Human Rights Act for Australia
Thank you for calling for a Human Rights Act for Australia. With enough of us banding together we'll achieve lasting change for all people in Australia into the future.
Claire Mallinson
National Director
Amnesty International Australia
- Amnesty applauds Government torture ban, 22 May 2009
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