Human Rights Law Centre

Environmental whistleblowers have played a vital role in Australia exposing climate and environmental harm, and holding corporations and governments to account. From the ex-Santos worker who blew the whistle about dead dolphins and an oil spill, to the nuclear engineer laying bare the ongoing health impacts to First Nation communities of nuclear waste dumping, or the scientists, doctors, nurses and ecologists speaking out against the development of a major petrochemical hub planned for Darwin Harbour. Whistleblowers should be protected, not prosecuted. Read Madeleine Howle's full piece on the importance of environmental whistleblowing: https://lnkd.in/gEQnzqp5

The Federal Court ruling that Senator Pauline Hanson racially vilified Senator Mehreen Faruqi is welcome. But only cultural change will remove Australia’s stain of racism. Read Senior Lawyer Arif Hussein's op-ed in The Guardian 👇 https://lnkd.in/gVsBkhfy

Why does Australia need a Human Rights Act, and why don't we have one already? Join Senator David Shoebridge, member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, and lawyer Madeleine Howle for this important online conversation about how to advance human rights in Australia. 📅 6 - 7:30pm, Thursday, 7 November 2024 📩 RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gNQybT6E This event is free and hosted by the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education

Our democracy is at risk when powerful corporations silence community voices by using Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP). These cases are designed to intimidate and suppress public debate. That's why a coalition of 85 environmental, faith, legal, and human rights organisations have taken out a full-page ad in the Australian Financial Review today to demand action. The open letter to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus calls for anti-SLAPP laws to prevent multi-billion-dollar corporations, including fossil fuel giants, from using the courts to stifle activism and public interest advocacy. It's time for the Albanese Government to step up and protect our right to speak out on issues that matter. #Democracy #AusLaw

“I am one of the organisers of the 100-day refugee encampment in front of the Department of Home Affairs office in Melbourne. Last Tuesday, refugees, their families, and supporters held a peaceful rally demanding justice for the 8,500 people impacted by the former Coalition government’s failed ‘fast track’ asylum process. During the event, around 20 neo-Nazis launched a coordinated attack, shouting racist slurs while jeering at us. Victoria Police stepped in, pepper spraying both groups, but the neo-Nazis were still allowed to walk away and gather elsewhere in the city.” Refugees are protesting because for over a decade, governments have failed them. Politicians’ rhetoric blaming migrants and refugees for everything — from cost of living to housing — only fuels division, giving far-right groups the space to thrive. These attacks expose how fear and politics drive hate — and they affect all of us. Read Rathy Barthlote’s full op-ed in Crikey: https://lnkd.in/g49qcwxi

Are you passionate about human rights? We're seeking a dedicated, volunteer Board Member based in Melbourne or Sydney to help guide our mission to create a fairer future for all. As a Board Member, you'll support our fearless human rights initiatives, collaborate with a high-performing team, and bring your expertise in governance, finance, and risk management. Why Join Us? The Human Rights Law Centre challenges injustices and advocates for policies that advance dignity and equality. We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive Board and workforce that values lived experience. Interested? Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gU5AvcY

The Allan Government has committed to reduce the cost of phone calls for people in prison. This is a big step forward that means people in prison will be able to stay connected to their kids, family, friends and loved ones. It's just one recommendation from the Yoorrook Justice Commission, there is so much more the Allan Government must urgently do to reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing injustice.

Tuesday marked 100 days of a 24/7 protest led by refugees in front of the Department of Home Affairs office - one of the longest-running refugee protests in Australia’s history. We stand in solidarity with the encampment, and unequivocally back their calls for visa equality and a permanent home for the people failed by the former Coalition Government’s broken ‘fast-track’ refugee processing system. The Albanese Government must provide permanent visas to the 8,500 people who have been stuck in visa uncertainty and limbo for the last 12 years. After 100 days of protest the encampment has packed down, but the push for visa equality will continue.

The Allan Government has not made enough progress implementing critical recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission that would immediately reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing injustice at the hands of the criminal legal system.    Only six of the 46 recommendations have been accepted.    Read the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s full statement: https://lnkd.in/ebQzvAti

Disinformation is poisoning our democracy and dividing our communities, so how can we tackle disinformation from a human rights perspective? Join us for this important conversation hosted by Wotton + Kearney featuring Senior Lawyer David M., alongside Australian Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay and The Conversation Australia + NZ's Misha Ketchell on the government's new misinformation bill, holding big tech accountable, and how to protect the freedom of expression of women, girls and other diverse voices online.  📅 6 - 7:30pm, Thursday, 7 November 2024 📍Wotton + Kearney office, Level 30, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ggUP4NZy