Welcoming the call for a Human Rights Act
New report of parliamentary inquiry recommends national legislation
June 3, 2024
The Uniting Church Assembly was proud to be among more than 100 organisations welcoming the call for a national Human Rights Act following the recommendations of a new report tabled in Parliament.
Labor MP Josh Burns, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, launched the report of its Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework and recommendations on Thursday. It was noted that 87% of submissions received by the Inquiry supported the adoption of a national Human Rights Act.
Assembly General Secretary (Interim) Rev Lindsay Cullen was quoted in the media release from the Human Rights Law Centre following the release of the report.
“The Uniting Church believes that all human rights are important, interdependent and interrelated," said Rev Cullen.
"For years the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has advocated for the holistic approach of a Human Rights Act as an answer to the many competing claims and values inherent in the discussion about human rights."
"We believe a Human Rights Act is the best approach to give protection in law and accountability when rights are breached, as well as playing a role in educating the Australian community."
“The Uniting Church believes that all human rights are important, interdependent and interrelated."
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Inquiry also recommended ongoing funding for human rights education in the Australian community, targeted consultation including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a review of existing legislation.
The Assembly has advocated for a holistic approach to human rights since at least 2006. It has maintained and strengthened this position during debates over religious discrimination legislation in recent years.
The Assembly is an official supporter of the Human Rights Act campaign, along with the Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT.
Further reading
- Report: Inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Framework
- An inquiry has recommended Australia legislate a Human Rights Act. Here’s why we need one (The Conversation)
- Report finds ‘clear need’ for an Australian Human Rights Act. What difference would it make? (The Conversation)
- Federal Human Rights Act could help prevent policy failures like robodebt, parliamentary inquiry says (The Guardian)
- 101 Case Studies on how human rights acts and charters make our lives better (Human Rights Act Campaign)
More justice news
ABC interview: Speaking out on Gendered Violence
Speaking out on Gendered Violence Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli recently spoke with ABC Radio on churches’ role in confronting gendered violence and promoting safety, dignity and compassionSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.The…
President reflects on Gendered Violence Conference
Gendered Violence Conference: Restoring what has been bent The President offers this pastoral reflection following The Wesley Centre Theology and Culture Conference on the topic of Gendered ViolenceBy Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Last month, I attended the Gendered Violence Conference hosted by Rev Robyn Whitaker, Associate Professor at The…
UCA President urges political leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire
Middle East conflict: UCA President urges Political Leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, has written to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Australian Greens and other Australian political party leaders, urging multi-partisan support for the Australian Government to…
Reports expose modern slavery in supply chains
New reports expose modern slavery in supply chains The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in collaboration with Greenpeace have released two new reports shining the light on modern slavery hidden within global supply chains. On 3 March 2026, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania – represented by their Senior Social…
President issues statement on Middle East conflict
Middle East conflict: Uniting Church President urges peace and protection of human life STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA REV CHARISSA SULI A CALL FOR PEACE AND THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN LIFE As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, I speak with deep concern as violence escalates across the Middle…
A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East
A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle EastThis morning, the World Council of Churches expressed grave concern over escalating military attacks in the Middle East and called for an immediate cessation of violence, the protection of civilian populations, and renewed diplomatic engagement. As part of the global fellowship of churches, the Uniting Church…
Introducing the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia
Introducing UnitingCare Australia’s new National Director Tamara Thomas brings international experience and a passion for justice to her new role leading UnitingCare AustraliaLast week, UnitingCare Australia welcomed a leader whose career has taken her from Noosa Heads to Geneva and from grassroots advocacy to the corridors of the United Nations. Tamara Thomas steps into the…
Day of Mourning 2026
#UCADayofMourningSunday 25 January Since 1994, the Uniting Church has been in Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Entered into with honesty about our past and hope for the future, this Covenant commits us to working together for a just Church and a just nation.…