1. Introduction: Towards a revitalised Human Rights Framework for Australia This Framework proposes measures that will meet Australia’s obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights as set out in Table 3. Table 3: How a National Human Rights Framework will meet Australia’s obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights Respect Protect Fulfil Cohesive legal protections for human rights through a domestic Human Rights Act, with remedies available. Early consideration of human rights impacts in policy, law and decision-making through a Human Rights Act and reformed parliamentary scrutiny processes. Overarching Human Rights Framework with long- and short‑term priorities, with sufficient resourcing and in-built accountability mechanisms. Private contractors providing public services on behalf of government bound by Human Rights Act. Other private businesses may voluntarily opt‑in to human rights obligations. National Indicator Framework enables better tracking of human rights progress and efforts to progressive realise rights. Positive duty in Human Rights Act prevents breaches of human rights by government. Positive duties to ensure effective participation and access to justice will protect marginalised groups from human rights violations. More effective protections against discrimination through federal discrimination law reform. Positive duty across all discrimination acts to prevent discrimination in areas of public life. Strengthened parliamentary scrutiny regime will ensure that human rights implications of legislation is robustly considered. Human rights education for the general community and duty bearers builds rights-mindedness and prevents human rights violations. Human rights education for public servants builds rightsmindedness and prevents human rights violations. Stronger regulatory powers for the AHRC to increase compliance with human rights and discrimination standards. Domestic reporting requirements under the Human Rights Act, including by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Processes to ensure better responsiveness to international mechanisms. Strengthening the role of civil society in advocating and educating on human rights. Strengthening institutional accountability and the development of a human rights culture across government. The proposed National Human Rights Framework would also create a ‘human rights eco-system’ within which human rights impacts are front of mind at all stages of the legislative and decision making process as set out in Figure 2. FREE & EQUAL: Revitalising Australia’s Commitment to Human Rights 23