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Free + Equal Human Rights Conference 2024

More than 1300 people from across Australia and around the world participated live and online in this landmark event for advancing human rights in Australia.

Leaders, experts and advocates gathered to help pave the way for a much-needed overhaul of Australia’s human rights framework, including the introduction of an Australian Human Rights Act.

The conference featured a diverse line-up of more than 60 eminent experts, thought leaders, social justice advocates and community heroes over 12 engaging sessions and events.   

The Free + Equal Human Rights Conference was held over 6 and 7 June 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney and was part of the 2024 Vivid Sydney festival.

Three people of different ages with blue skin tones face forward; the map of Australia is overlaid in gold and brown across each of their faces, symbolizing unity and connection to the land.

Rights On Time

A collage of seven diverse people in black and white portraits, with the text “RIGHTS ON TIME 2024œ2034"

One of the highlights of the conference was the Rights On Time panel show on 6 June where comedian Nazeem Hussain beamed in from a hypothetical 2034, where a populist government has a created a bleak future with compulsory brain implants, AI judges and Pacific climate refugee crackdowns. 

A panel of eminent Australians then explored the scenarios from a range of perspectives, including how a Human Rights Act would help protect people and communities from breaches of their rights now and in the future. Check out the audio recording below.

Agenda + speakers

people at a conference

The Free + Equal Conference included 12 engaging sessions and events over two days featuring a diverse line-up of more than 60 eminent experts, thought leaders, social justice advocates and community heroes.

Delegates learned about the positive change and opportunities a Human Rights Act will deliver as well as how to activate community support and engagement for this landmark reform. Sessions also focussed on a range of key human rights related issues including: enhancing Australia's anti-discrimination laws; preventing racism; improving children's rights and youth justice; exploring the intersection of business, technology and human rights; and marking 40 years of Australia’s ground-breaking Sex Discrimination Act.

Photos

An older man in a suit speaks at a podium, holding up a small booklet titled Human Rights. A woman in a yellow outfit stands in the background, smiling.

We've got hundreds of fabulous photos of all the sessions and events over the two days of the conference. 

Welcome reception | Thu 6 June 2024 

Rights On Time panel show | Thu 6 June 2024

Free + Equal Conference | Fri 7 June 2024

View photos

Free + Equal project

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An Australian conversation on human rights 

The Free + Equal Conference was the culmination of a 5-year project which proposes overhauling Australia’s human rights framework, including the introduction of a Human Rights Act. 

Find out more

The Free + Equal Conference was part of Vivid Sydney

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