For example, the provision and delivery of welfare should take account of a person’s right to an adequate standard of living, to social security and to health, as well as the rights of persons with disabilities. The AHRC Act could also be amended to allow individuals to make a complaint to the Commission, should their economic, social or cultural rights be breached. Enhancing public education and human rights resources Education for all Australians about their human rights and the obligations of public authorities should be a priority. This would empower individuals to take appropriate action when their human rights have been breached, and reduce the likelihood of violations occurring in the first place. Much more can be done to develop and embed a national program of human rights education, in education, workplace and other contexts. This could include greater inclusion in school curricula, and a requirement that relevant employers educate their employees about human rights. Increased funding and support for advocacy, community and legal organisations that work to protect and promote human rights would help support public understanding of human rights. EQUAL ACCESS TO PUBLIC RESTROOMS In the UK, a transgender man was not permitted to use the male bathroom during his stay in a public hospital, causing him much distress. The man’s advocate discussed with the hospital a person’s right not to be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity under the UK Human Rights Act. The hospital changed its practice. In Australia, we have only had federal legal protections to prevent such discrimination since 2013. Before that time, a person would not have enjoyed the protection of the law to challenge such practices. Prior to the change in Australian law, a legal right to be free from discrimination on the basis of gender identity, as in the UK, would have provided more effective protection.66 Strengthening the operation of federal discrimination laws To strengthen our human rights system, we must also consider how to enhance the protections we already have. Our existing discrimination laws play an important role in fulfilling some of our international obligations, but require improvement. As part of the National Conversation, the Commission has identified key priority areas for federal discrimination law reform.67 These include simplifying and improving the consistency of legislative definitions, addressing limitations in the coverage of protected attributes, reviewing existing permanent exemptions in the four federal discrimination acts and providing further clarity to business, organisations and individuals regarding their obligations under federal discrimination laws. 20 FREE AND EQUAL An Australian conversation on human rights 2019 FREE AND EQUAL An Australian conversation on human rights 2019 21