Volume 4
4.1 – 4.21 Establishing a Disability Rights Act
Recommendations in Volume 4 are about Australia’s human rights obligations and proposes changes for a stronger and more comprehensive legal framework to protect and advance the rights of people with disability.
On 30 May 2024, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (PJCHR) tabled its inquiry report regarding Australia’s Human Rights Framework.
They made 17 recommendations to improve the protection of human rights in Australia.
One of their recommendations was to make a federal Human Rights Act.
The Disability Royal Commission made separate recommendations to protect human rights in Australia.
Their recommendations included the making of a Disability Rights Act.
The Australian Government is considering the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations
alongside the recommendations made by the PJCHR.
4.23 – 4.34 Amend the Disability Discrimination Act 1992
The Australian Government has started reviewing the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Australian Government has spoken to representatives of the disability community to inform the approach to the review.
The Australian Government has started an accessible public consultation process to ensure that all voices are heard.
This recommendation is in progress.
4.30 Vilification because of disability
Recommendation 4.30 is about stopping people spreading hate about people because of their disability and targeting people because of their disability.
The Australian Government is reviewing the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
The Australian Government has started public consultation that is easy for everyone to participate.
We want to make sure that all voices are heard.
State and territory governments are also considering their laws:
- This recommendation has been completed in ACT.
- The NSW government has reviewed a relevant law and is considering its recommendations.
- A NSW Government review of a second relevant law is in progress.
- There are no new provisions and no action is required at this time.
- However, the NT will consider any new provisions undertaken by the Commonwealth.
- The Queensland government is working through some changes to its anti-discrimination laws.
- The South Australian government is still considering this recommendation.
- The Tasmanian government is making a change to its legislation.
- Victoria created a new law on 2 April 2025, which meets the requirements of this recommendation.
- The Western Australia government has commenced initial work on this recommendation.
This recommendation is in progress.
Watch the Auslan versions of volumes 5 to 12 of the Disability Royal Commission Progress Report 2025.