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Civil society unites behind call for a Human Rights Act for SA

Civil society unites behind call for a Human Rights Act for South Australia

Today, on Human Rights Day, an alliance of civil society organisations has come together to call for the enactment of a South Australian Human Rights Act that legally protects the dignity and interests of all South Australians.

Significant momentum has been building for more widespread legislative protection of human rights across Australia. The Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland have already enshrined human rights in Acts of Parliament. The South Australian Parliament is currently conducting an Inquiry into the Potential for a Human Rights Act for SA. The Report of the federal Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework, released in May 2024, not only recommended the enactment of a federal Human Rights Act, it emphasised the need for states like South Australia to move towards introducing their own human rights legislation.

The South Australian Council of Social Service, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and the Rights Resource Network are united in the call for law reform, and they are not alone.

Dr. Sarah Moulds, RRNSA Convenor said: “We are grateful that South Australia’s Parliamentarians are willing to listen to individuals and organisations who share our vision and we commend the establishment of the Social Development Committee’s public Inquiry into the Potential for a Human Rights Act for South Australia. This Inquiry is currently conducting the essential work of reviewing the effectiveness of our existing laws and mechanisms for protecting human rights and considering the improvements that SA could make. Our state now has an opportunity to put in place laws that live up to the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by protecting the wellbeing of everyone in SA and sending a message to our children and young people that we care about their future, and we’re prepared to do the hard work to create lasting social change.”

South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly said:
“When describing the community and world they want to live in, children and young people focus on equality, fairness, and respect. A Human Rights Act would uphold these values and ensure leaders, decision makers, organisations and service providers consider children’s rights as core business rather than as an afterthought. A Human Rights Act for South Australia should recognise and address poverty as a structural barrier to realising children’s rights, uphold children’s participation, consider the impacts of today on the children of future generations and establish ways to embed children’s rights within education settings.”

Executive Director of Shelter SA, Dr Alice Clark said: “While homelessness exists, South Australia is abrogating its commitment to human rights. Australia is a signatory to various human rights treaties that include the right to an adequate standard of living, food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The right to housing and the right to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health are intrinsically linked. Adequate shelter does not mean just a roof over your head, it means access to appropriate privacy, space, security, lighting, ventilation, basic infrastructure, location and facilities, all at a reasonable cost. As evidenced by the growing number of people experiencing homelessness and living with housing stress, the human right to housing is not assured in South Australia.
A human rights act that includes the right to housing, would represent a significant step forward in assuring the dignity and quality of life of our citizens.”

Human Rights Act for South Australia is a joint civil society coalition initiated by the South Australian Council of Social Service, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and the Rights Resource Network of SA. 153 organisations and experts have endorsed the Coalition’s statement, Proposing a Human Rights Law for South Australia.

The Coalition groups have written to the Premier of SA, the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, seeking a meeting in the New Year to discuss the outcomes of the Social Development Committee Inquiry.

Submissions and evidence taken by the SDC are available here.

A list of case studies that evidence the benefits that Human Rights Acts are delivering in the ACT, Victoria and QLD is available here.

The Designing a Human Rights Framework for South Australia Report issued by the Rights Resource Network SA (RRNSA) in February 2022 is available here.

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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