Join
room hire
need help?
Donate

International Human Rights Day prompts celebration and action

International Human Rights Day prompts celebration and action

Today, on International Human Rights Day, a coalition of civil society organisations is calling for the enactment of a South Australian Human Rights Act and the implementation of the recommendations set out in the unanimous report of the South Australian Parliament’s Social Development Committee (SDC).

Broad-based community celebration accompanied the announcement in April 2025 of the SDC’s recommendations for the enactment of a Human Rights Act, and the establishment of a Human Rights Commission for South Australia. These recommendations, supported by Committee members from a range of political parties, came after a public inquiry into the effectiveness of current laws and mechanisms for protecting human rights in this state, prompted by a community-based campaign. The submissions and stories heard by the Committee revealed significant gaps in the state’s current legal protections that cause too many South Australians to fall through the cracks. International Human Rights Day reminds us all not to let anyone fall by the wayside or be left behind.

In addition to the positive outcome of the SDC’s Inquiry, significant momentum has already been built across Australia for the legislated protection of human rights, with the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland having enshrined human rights in Acts of Parliament, and New South Wales having recently introduced a Human Rights Bill. Every day, these laws are benefitting people in concrete ways in relation to housing, education, access to healthcare and much more.  These developments in other jurisdictions are reinforced by the Report of the Federal Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, which not only recommended the enactment of a Federal Human Rights Act, but the need for states like South Australia to introduce their own human rights legislation.

International Human Rights Day and Australia’s appearance at the forthcoming United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review on 26 January 2026 (to assess Australia’s human rights record), offer further prompts for South Australia to advance discussions towards the protection of people’s human rights.

The South Australian Council of Social Service, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, and the Rights Resource Network – all representing a groundswell of community organisations – are eager to continue engaging with the South Australian Government and the broader community about the opportunities provided by the SDC’s recommendations.

To celebrate International Human Rights Day and create public awareness, the Human Rights Act for SA Coalition is hosting a webinar that will offer insights from a number of different vantage points about the value of South Australia having a Human Rights Act. The program includes guest speakers, focusing on what an Act would mean for people with disability; people’s access to clean and affordable electricity and water in regional and remote communities; and children and young people caught up in the youth justice system.

Catherine Earl, CEO of SACOSS: SACOSS looks forward to further engagement with the Government about the unanimous recommendations of the Parliament’s Committee, which offer a clear way ahead. They are a strong reminder that human rights should be at the heart of the work of our government and its departments, from the development of laws and policies, through to smaller everyday decision-making that can have a profound impact on a person’s life.

Sarah Moulds of the Rights Resource Network: As South Australians, we seek not just a new law, but action that will help build a society which government, parliament, the courts and the people feel proud of and respect. We want to help build a culture that makes us a truly civil society. South Australians have proposed better protections for their human rights, including their right to housing, the right to equal access to health care and education – these rights, amongst others, must be properly recognised in the new Act. 

Kerry Weste, of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights: A Human Rights Act for SA would finally give on-the-ground, local meaning to the internationally recognised human rights our country has committed to upholding for everyone, no matter who they are or where they live. It would reflect a society that strives for the values we hold most dear – justice, equality and a ‘fair go’ for all.

Scroll to Top

JEREMY BROWN

Jeremy is currently the Chief Executive at Uniting Communities and is deeply committed to cultivating a strong, values-driven organisational culture that places people and community at its core. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, innovation, and strategic growth, ensuring that Uniting Communities continues to deliver inclusive and impactful services to more than 80,000 South Australians each year.

His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Novita Services and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Care (SA). He has also had a long-standing association with SACOSS where he served as a member of their Policy Council.

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.