The Social Development Committee in the South Australian Parliament is undertaking an inquiry into a Human Rights Act for SA with submissions due on 16 February 2024.
The MHCSA will be writing a submission and is behind calls for South Australia to adopt its own Human Rights Act. What an Act like this will do is not just create a law that enshrines all of our human rights but fosters and creates a culture of mutual respect. This culture would go across government, parliament, the courts and our communities.
One of our key pillars here at the MHCSA is to use a human rights framework in the development and delivery of mental health services. This Act will be a major step towards that.
In Australia, the governments of the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland have already enshrined human rights in Acts of Parliament.
The Rights Resource of South Australia were the lead advocates for this inquiry and you can read more on their website here.
“The act of considering human rights is about putting people at the heart of government decision-making and recognising rights and responsibilities within our community. It is about acknowledging that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, equality and respect.”
Dr Sarah Moulds, Director, Rights Resource Network SA
If you want to be a part of this inquiry the Rights Resource Network SA is holding a submission writing workshop on Wednesday January 17, 2024. You can find out more here.
