Question Time AU

Bill

Human Rights Bill 2026

Debated Monday 25 May 2026

Debate items
1
Chambers
House of Representatives
Votes
0

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

  1. Monday 25 May 2026 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    The debate concerned the introduction of a federal human rights act to establish a comprehensive national guarantee of rights for Australians. Independent members Andrew Wilkie and Helen Haines argued that Australia is the only liberal democracy lacking such a framework and that existing protections are insufficient. They cited recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to support the legislation. The speakers highlighted various areas where rights were currently under threat, including refugee detention, welfare administration, and systemic racism against First Nations people. Both members urged the parliament to pass the bill to align Australia with international obligations and improve democratic standards.

    Outcome: The transcript does not state the final result of the vote.

    Read the full summary

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