Need for Enforceable Rights Highlighted
Recognizing the urgent need for legal reforms, People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has endorsed Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser’s call for a national Human Rights Act. This proposal was presented during an address to the National Press Club. PWDA agrees with de Kretser that without enforceable rights, people with disabilities will continue to face harm with limited pathways to challenge it.
Current legal frameworks inadequately protect against discrimination and abuse, as evidenced by the Disability Royal Commission’s findings. Evidence from the Commission documented widespread experiences of violence, abuse, neglect, and exclusion, highlighting that existing legal protections are insufficient to prevent or address these harms. PWDA argues that individuals face complex complaint processes without proactive rights protection.
Jeramy Hope, President of PWDA, stated, “Australia’s human rights framework has gaps, and people with disability are living with the consequences.” He explained that without enforceable rights, individuals often encounter harm with limited avenues for recourse.
Challenges with Current Systems
Expressing concerns over ongoing NDIS reforms, PWDA Vice-President Jarrod Sandell-Hay highlighted the lack of strong safeguards for human rights in government decision-making. “We need systems that are designed to respect rights from the start, not ones where people are left to try to fix harm after it happens,” Mr. Sandell-Hay said.
Rather than mandating institutions to uphold rights from the start, current systems require individuals to pursue complaints through inaccessible processes. The Robodebt scheme exemplifies the risks inherent in government service decision-making without robust human rights protections. PWDA emphasises that enforceable rights and clear safeguards are essential, particularly in systems where government decisions have a direct impact on people’s daily lives.
PWDA urges the Federal Government to include measures in the upcoming Budget to improve income support and reform the Disability Support Pension, addressing the disproportionate poverty rates faced by people with disabilities. The need for economic inclusion initiatives is critical, as people with disabilities face significant barriers to employment and economic participation.
Supporting the Human Rights Commission’s call for action on poverty, PWDA notes that low incomes and employment barriers significantly impact those with disabilities. The organisation calls for increased investment in accessible housing and employment programs, aiming to create real opportunities in mainstream employment. PWDA highlights the importance of aligning a Human Rights Act with Australia’s international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Last updated: 30 April 2026, 7:04 pm
