Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

Australia likes to think we're set up as a fair country where everyone gets a go, but the truth is that, without a federal human rights act, those values are too often optional. Right now, Australians often have no clear legal protection for their own rights—for our rights—the right to housing, to health care, to education and to live with dignity. When those rights are ignored, people fall through the cracks, usually the same people every time. We see it when families are pushed into homelessness because there is no enforceable right to adequate housing. We see it when people with disabilities are left without essential services because decisions are made on cost not on dignity. We see it when regional communities lose access to health care or when social security settings trap people in poverty instead of supporting them into work.

These aren't abstract principles; these are everyday decisions that shape whether people can live decent, secure lives. These are basic human rights not simply privileges to lose. That's why the Inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Framework made a clear and considered recommendation: Australia needs a federal human rights act, not as a slogan but as a practical tool to improve decision-making, accountability and outcomes. The inquiry didn't just say what we should do; it showed us how.

Appendix 5 of that report sets out a model human rights act designed for Australia—balance, sensible and democratic. It protects our rights while respecting the role of parliament. It helps governments get decisions right the first time instead of forcing people to fight injustice after the damage is done. A human rights act won't fix everything overnight, but it will change the culture of government from 'can we' to 'should we'. It will make fairness a part of the system, not something people have to beg for. If we're serious about dignity, equality and a fair go, then it's time to put human rights where they belong—into law.

I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.