Rights & Responsibilities 2014

In 2014, former Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson MP, conducted a national consultation about how well Australia protects people's rights and freedoms. The consultation focused on what each of us can contribute to achieve better protection of rights and freedoms, and to build an understanding of the responsibilities that come with this.

A particular focus of the consultation was on building a culture of respect for rights and responsibilities among the Australian community. The consultation was interested in learning about initiatives at the local and community level that advance rights and freedoms, and the responsible exercise of these.

The consultation focused on some of the key rights and freedoms that have traditionally underpinned our liberal democracy in Australia. These include:

• the right to freedom of opinion and expression
• the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religious worship
• the right to freedom of association
• property rights.

You can read the Discussion Paper here:

• Download Rights & Responsibilities 2014 Discussion Paper (PDF)

• Download Rights & Responsibilities 2014 Discussion Paper (Word)

Launch

The Australian Human Rights Commission launched the Rights & Responsibilities Consultation Report on Monday, 30 March, 2015.

The Report was informed by written submissions, an online survey and roundtable consultations held throughout Australia between August and December 2014.

Clarification: Australian Law Reform Commission

Please note that this consultation was separate from the inquiry by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) about ‘traditional rights freedoms and privileges' in Commonwealth laws.