Treasury Theatre event will cover protest, housing and inequality

A national push to strengthen human rights protections will come to Melbourne on Tuesday 28 July, when a free public seminar brings together senior advocates to discuss some of Australia’s sharpest social pressures.

The event is called The Answer Is Human Rights. It will run from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Treasury Theatre, Lower Plaza, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is presenting the seminar with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. It forms part of the AHRC national programme marking 40 years as Australia’s national human rights institution.

Topics include social cohesion, the right to peaceful protest, housing affordability, economic inequality, climate change and the effect of digital technologies on people’s rights across Australia.

Organisers say the discussion will look at how stronger rights protections can make communities safer and fairer. It will also examine proposals that could address issues affecting Victorian residents.

Ro Allen, Travis Lovett and Deb Tsorbaris

The panel includes Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen AM, University of Melbourne Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue executive director Travis Lovett, AHRC National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris and AHRC President Hugh de Kretser.

According to Hugh de Kretser, stronger human rights laws can help tackle problems ranging from weaker social cohesion to rising housing stress. He said protecting rights supports “equality, safety, dignity and prosperity for all people in Australia”.

De Kretser also said a deeper commitment from governments would protect values many Australians care about, including “equality, freedom, respect, dignity, kindness and looking out for each other”. He called the seminar important for people who care about Australia’s future and the health of its democracy.

Meanwhile, Ro Allen said the current moment demands a renewed focus on preventing discrimination. She described the Melbourne gathering as “a timely opportunity” for people interested in human rights, social justice and equality.

Following the panel, attendees can stay for a networking session with light refreshments. Registration for the 28 July seminar is open online.