Despite taking steps towards becoming a more equal and inclusive society for all, Australia has a problem with human rights. Indigenous Australians are the most incarcerated in the world. More than one woman is killed every week by a partner or former partner. Over half of Australians living with a disability lack access to support services they need. The proposed Religious Discrimination Bill threatens to undermine inclusive workplaces for LGBTQI+ people.  

Fighting to address these issues are five fearless human rights champions. From the Australian voice to the United Nations for people living with a disability, to leading the #KidsOffNauru campaign which saw every child detained offshore brought to Australia, their resumes are enviable and inspiring portfolios of human rights advocacy.

Pat Anderson is an Alyawarre woman and a powerful advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples. She has extensive experience in community development, advocacy, policy formation and has been the chair of multiple Aboriginal health organisations. She has spoken before the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous People, published many essays and reports, and was awarded the Human Rights Medal by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Despite taking steps towards becoming a more equal and inclusive society for all, Australia has a problem with human rights. Indigenous Australians are the most incarcerated in the world. More than one woman is killed every week by a partner or former partner. Over half of Australians living with a disability lack access to support services they need. The proposed Religious Discrimination Bill threatens to undermine inclusive workplaces for LGBTQI+ people.   Fighting to address these issues are five fearless human rights champions. From the Australian voice to the United Nations for people living with a disability, to leading the #KidsOffNauru campaign which saw every child detained offshore brought to Australia, their resumes are enviable and inspiring portfolios of human rights advocacy. Pat Anderson is an Alyawarre woman and a powerful advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples. She has extensive experience in community development, advocacy, policy formation and has been the chair of multiple Aboriginal health organisations. She has spoken before the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous People, published many essays and reports, and was awarded the Human Rights Medal by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

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