Social Development Committee on the Potential for a Human Rights Act for South Australia submission – February 2024

The South Australian Government, like all governments in Australia, has an obligation to respect and protect the human rights of young people. The urgent need for a Human Rights Act for South Australia is evident, as it would support the State Government in protecting social, economic, political and cultural rights, especially for marginalised groups. While recognising the SA First Nations Voice process currently underway, YACSA wishes to highlight the importance of including clear rights to self-determination for Aboriginal people and reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within any Act. Given South Australia’s proud progressive history, the Government should seize this opportunity for the state to lead the country on best-practice human rights legislation.