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Your ref: National Human Rights Devolved Consultation

August 2009
Original

Final Report

Prepared by

Colmar Brunton Social Research
PO Box 7007 Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: 02 6249 8566 Fax. 02 6249 8588
Contact: David Bruce

National Human Rights Consultation:
Devolved Consultation Report
prepared for
Attorney Generals Department

40401_AGD_Human_Rights_Devolved_Report_v4_13-8-09

Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
1 Background, objectives and methodology 4
1.1 Background 4
1.2 Aims and objectives 4
1.3 Methodology 5
2 Detailed Results 6
2.1 Which groups are not getting a fair go? 6
2.1.1 Any individual who has limited functionality or is outside the norm 6
2.1.2 Indigenous Australians 7
2.1.3 Carers 8
2.1.4 Individuals who fall into more than one vulnerable group 8
2.2 What are the main rights perceived to be at risk? 11
2.2.1 Food and shelter 11
2.2.2 Safety from harm 12
2.2.3 Health and medical care 14
2.2.4 The right to move on 16
2.2.5 The right to work 17
2.2.6 The right to dignity 17
2.3 What are the problems faced in trying to get a fair go? 19
2.3.1 Lack of public awareness of human rights 19
2.3.2 Lack of awareness amongst vulnerable groups 19
2.3.3 Lack of awareness amongst service providers 20
2.3.4 Accessible information 21
2.3.5 Inability to keep up with technology 21
2.3.6 Stereotyping 21
2.3.7 Documentation 22
2.4 How protection of human rights could be improved 23
2.4.1 Make it black and white 23
2.4.2 Enhance service delivery 24
2.4.3 Raising awareness through easily accessible media 27
2.4.4 Enforce a statute of limitations on background information 27
2.5 Specific issues raised by vulnerable groups 28
2.5.1 The aged 28
2.5.2 The mentally ill 29
2.5.3 The physically disabled 30
2.5.4 Ex-prisoners 31
2.5.5 Drug users 32
2.5.6 Homeless 33
2.5.7 Recently arrived Immigrants and Refugees 33
2.5.8 People in immigration detention 37
Appendix A: The discussion guide 39
National Human Rights Consultation Devolved Consultation Report

1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background and method
As part of the National Human Rights Consultation, two research projects have been undertaken in
the Australian community. One of these is focussed at the community level, consisting of focus
groups in each state and territory followed by a national telephone survey to identify and measure
prevailing attitudes and opinions within the general community. The other, known as the Devolved
Consultation component, was a qualitative study to better understand the experiences and opinions of
groups who are marginalised in society or thought to be specifically vulnerable to their rights being
threatened or violated.
The Devolved Consultation reported here involved small group discussions with people from a number
of groups. These sessions were organised by service providers and peak bodies who work in the
area, and interviews were also conducted with the contacts at these organisations. The discussions
and interviews focussed on understanding the practical, day-to-day experiences of these groups to
provide better understanding of the real world impacts of the concepts discussed more theoretically in
other parts of the Consultation.
Nine group sessions and nine interviews were conducted in Sydney and Wagga Wagga in June and
July 2009. The groups involved were: homeless people; people with a mental illness and with a
physical disability; recently arrived refugees, immigrants and those recently released from immigration
detention; ex-prisoners; the aged; and people with drug or alcohol dependencies.

Key findings
Who does not get a fair go
All of the groups involved either explicitly reported that they do not get a fair go, or described situations
in which clearly they were not. A number of factors that impacted on getting a fair go were seen:
People who have limited functionality or who are outside of the norm tend to get less of a fair
go. This is particularly the case for those who cannot communicate or defend themselves.
Individuals who fall into more than one vulnerable group, or at the intersection of vulnerable
groups, were particularly worse off.
Financial problems are often a consequence or correlate of the experiences of these
marginalised groups, exacerbating the problems they experience.
Indigenous Australians and Carers were two groups who were commonly identified, even by
people themselves in these marginalised groups, as having their rights compromised.

What rights are at risk
In the general Australian community, the benefits of the most fundamental rights relating to survival
can mostly be taken for granted, and attention then turns to higher level rights associated with
expression and development. However, for those in the most vulnerable or marginalised groups, it is
precisely these survival-type rights that are most threatened. Food, shelter, personal safety and
access to medical care are all at risk for many of these groups.
The right to dignity, a concept which underlies much of human rights, is also threatened or absent for
many groups.

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Many people in these marginalised groups report difficulties with being able to move on from their
situation. Having to disclose past behaviours or experiences, even though they may refer to a past
phase of their lives, continues to impact on their current experiences, and mostly in a negative way.
One of the more widespread problems for these groups appears to be obtaining employment, with
their past often making them unattractive to employers or uncompetitive against other applicants.

Problems faced in getting a fair go
A lack of awareness and understanding of human rights is a real problem for these groups, not just the
inconvenience or curiosity it is to the general community. From both people and agencies, they feel
that a lack of clearly understood rights prevents them getting the same opportunities that others do.
Their own lack of knowledge means that often they are not even sure whether they have a legitimate
complaint or not. A perceived lack of easily accessible and understandable information about rights
perpetuates this problem.
Other problems these groups face disproportionately to the general community include not being as
able to keep up with technology, negative stereotyping, and not being able to access documentation
they are required to have to utilise services or for other processes.

How protection can be improved
A written document outlining the rights of all groups in society was seen by many of the marginalised
and vulnerable groups to be a necessary step before any rights could be consistently protected. This
would be expected to provide guidance for what was perceived as a general goodwill to do the right
thing in the Australian community. It would also serve an important role for educating the community,
organisations and themselves about what rights they had.
Service delivery was seen as a major area where improvements were possible largely because this
is where the actual day to day experience often derives from. Processes designed more for
functioning people in normal situations were a cause of frustration; complex bureaucratic processes
were higher barriers to many of these groups than the general community; and a lack of caring case
management further marginalised some groups.
Generally, in relation to human rights, enhancing service delivery was felt to come down to four
factors:
1. Ensuring all staff within service providers know, understand and uphold the rights of those
receiving services.
2. Ensuring that service providers, government departments and health workers show respect
and empathy when dealing with vulnerable groups.
3. Ensuring that vulnerable groups are treated the same as other members of society.
4. Designing services and service delivery more around the needs, barriers, and limitations of
those using the service.
It was also felt that a statute of limitations on having to disclose historical information would assist
many people in these groups to move back into the general community more easily by limiting the
impact of their past on their present and future.


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Issues for individual groups
A number of issues were raised by the individual groups. Some of these crossed over groups, while
others were specific to particular groups. The table below summarises these issues.

Issue
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Carers X X
Medical treatment X X X X
Discrimination / stereotyping X X X
Dignity X X X
Communication barriers X X
Education and opportunity X X
Safety X X X
Movement and access X
Able to defend own rights X
To move on / get employment X X X
Accommodation / live on the street X
Documentation X X
Mental health impacts X X X
Case workers / service providers X X


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1 BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY
1.1 Background
The National Human Rights Consultation was launched on 10 December 2008. The Australian
Government identified three key questions for the Consultation:
1. Which human rights (including corresponding responsibilities) should be protected and
promoted?

2. Are these human rights currently sufficiently protected and promoted?

3. How could Australia better protect and promote human rights?
The Australian Government appointed an independent Consultation Committee to conduct the
National Human Rights Consultation (NHRC, or the Consultation). The role of the Committee is to
bring together the full range of views as to how Australian society should protect and promote human
rights. The Committee has conducted over 66 roundtables and has received over 35,000 written
submissions from the public and interested organisations.
The Committee commissioned research to better understand how well what they heard from
consultation participants represents the views of the wider Australian community. There is a well
established understanding that interested parties can often be over-represented in self-selection
community consultation processes, and that the silent majority may be un-represented by these
expressed views. The general community research established the prevalence of particular views,
attitudes and expectations within the general community, allowing the inputs from other channels of
the Consultation to be interpreted more confidently, and with an understanding of how they may be
expected to reflect wider views.
However, some of the groups within the Australian community who are potentially most at risk of
having their rights threatened or violated are also those least likely to be participants in either the self
selection process or the community level research. Some groups may have less confidence than
others to choose to participate, or not be able to even find out that such community consultations are
happening. These groups can also be unlikely to be included in community level research, due to
factors such as communications barriers, being unable to be randomly contacted, and simply being
relatively infrequent within the community and therefore difficult to detect from a statistical perspective.
A third, Devolved Consultation, phase has therefore also been completed and is reported here - with
cross references to the separate community level research where relevant.

1.2 Aims and objectives
The key aims of this consultancy were to address the Consultations three overarching key questions
amongst specific, marginalised groups in Australian society.
From these, Colmar Brunton Social Research has derived a number of specific research objectives to
assess specific views about the protection and promotion of human rights.
These specific research objectives with these groups include exploring perceptions of:
Groups who are missing out on getting a fair go
What rights are at risk or being violated
Problems faced in trying to get a fair go
How protection of human rights could be improved for these groups
In addition, the research seeks to identify specific issues experienced by individual groups, and any
commonalities across some or all groups.
In particular, the devolved consultation process looking at the experiences of vulnerable and
marginalised groups specifically sought to understand how such experiences translate into daily living

5
for these groups. It specifically sought to obtain detailed stories and examples from people to illustrate
the reality of these experiences alongside the often more philosophical debates that have taken place
in other channels of the Consultation.

1.3 Methodology
A qualitative methodology was used, with two key components:
1. Small group sessions with vulnerable groups, and
2. One-on-one phone interviews with Non Government Organisation (NGO) service providers to
vulnerable groups.
The groups and interviews were conducted mainly in Sydney, with a full schedule outlined below.
Participants were recruited through contacts at service providers and peak bodies provided by the
Attorney Generals Department. These contacts were asked to recruit a small number of participants
from their clients and contacts for the groups, and most of the contacts were also asked to be
participants for the depth interviews. Groups were facilitated by the Managing Director and CEO of
Colmar Brunton Research, both experienced researchers and facilitators.
Nine discussion groups were completed with members of the targeted groups. Each session ran for
90-120 minutes, with 3-8 respondents in each group. These were conducted at facilities provided by
the NGO service providers. Colmar Brunton would like to gratefully acknowledge the important
contribution of the service providers and peak bodies who contributed to the success of this project by
assisting in the organisation of the group discussions.
Nine depth interviews (15-60 minutes each) were conducted with NGO service providers or Peak
Body representatives who are directly in contact with vulnerable groups. Most interviews were
conducted over the phone, but some face to face around the group sessions.

Discussion Groups
NGO
Interviews

Number
Group
Number of
Respondents
Location
Homeless 4 Sydney CBD 1
Recently released prisoners (12m-)
4 Sydney CBD
1
(extended
duration)
People with a criminal record (12m+ released)
Refugees 5 Wagga 1
People in immigrant detention
2
(interviews)
Sydney 2
Recently arrived immigrants 3 Wagga 1
People with a mental illness 4 Sydney Eastwood 1
People with disabilities 7 Sydney CBD 1
The aged 8 Sydney CBD 1
People with drug and alcohol dependencies 3 Sydney CBD 0*
* NGO contacts participated in group session rather than in separate interviews

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2 DETAILED RESULTS
2.1 Which groups are not getting a fair go?
2.1.1 Any individual who has limited functionality or is outside the norm
All groups included in the study either consciously felt that their rights were compromised in one way
or another, or gave examples that showed they were. A summary of specific vulnerable groups
concerns is presented in Section 2.5. However, there was a general consensus among participants
that all societal groups who are in any way dysfunctional, who cannot communicate clearly or defend
themselves, tend to get less of a fair go. Rights are generally seen to be protected, so long as an
individual has the knowledge and means to stand up for themselves (or have an appropriate person
stand up on their behalf). Where these are lacking, rights were often seen to be abused.
The system is designed for functional people
Drug user group
The whole system falls down if you cant communicate what you need
Mentally ill group
This was also seen in the general community research, with groups such as children, the elderly and
those with a mental illness identified as groups who are at risk unless others can assist them to
resolve or avoid problem situations.
There are two broad ways in which the system is seen to fail to preserve the rights of vulnerable or
marginalised groups. The first is in instances where an individuals situation makes it difficult to satisfy
basic requirements to get help in other words, where service providers expect normal things from
abnormal people.
The issue of being able to identify yourself, especially when youre living on the street. If
you dont have sufficient identification you cant access a lot of these services that are
meant to look after your human rights. And the issue of ID with street people has always
been a very very big issue in terms of accessing services... How many homeless people
do you reckon would be carrying passports around?
Homeless group
I cant get a job 'cause Ive got no qualifications, I cant get any ID and I cant even get a
Centrelink payment 'cause I cant get a bank account.
Ex prisoner group
On this point, the NGOs reiterated the concern that there is no identification of unique needs of each
vulnerable group. There is a sense that the standard requirements are unrealistic for these
individuals. These groups need additional consideration in order to navigate the system and access
services to get a fair go.
The system doesnt identify those who need extra support
NGO, Homeless
Not many homeless people know that they do have any rights, so they come up against
a government department who is being frustrating or denying rights then they just storm
off and then not access things that are really vital for them- so many do not access
Centrelink at all because it is too frustrating
NGO, Homeless
a [homeless] mother was issued with truancy fines even though the school were aware
both mother and children were living on the streets as a result of domestic violence
situation
NGO, Homeless

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If you come as a refugee it is much harder to access services [healthcare, housing,
employment]. That is until you make yourself understood [in English] it is hard to navigate
the bureaucracy of the immigration system
Immigrant Detention, NGO
The second way in which the system is seen to let vulnerable groups down is in the attitudes of
service providers, agencies and the public in regards to people who are seen to be dysfunctional.
Individuals in vulnerable groups claim to be stigmatised and actively discriminated against.
We actually fit in when we dont disclose [our mental illness] but as soon as we disclose
we seem to be treated different if that makes sense
Mentally ill group
We went to the police station, wanted to make a report about the incident [physical
abuse], and the policeman said where do you normally live? And my mate said to him I
live on the street, and the officer said well there you go, bye. Couldnt be bothered filling
the paperwork out.
Homeless group
The NGOs also support the notion that there is active discrimination and prejudice toward vulnerable
groups from the general public and service providers. This is not considered to be a fair go.
I had a recent example where the [mentally ill] person was purchasing an excursion
ticket on a bus, the driver questioned the legitimacy of the disability pension card- they
look normal
Mentally ill, NGO
The stigma about mental illness is strongest amongst doctors
Mentally ill, NGO
There is underlying racism in the community
Despite being well dressed, and heading to a business address, this individual [with
polio related physical impairment] was subjected to an interrogation from a taxi driver as
to whether they would be able to pay the taxi fare
Disability , NGO
On release from prison parole officers can vary in their duty. Many are there to catch
them out rather than help them re-integrate in society
Criminal, NGO

2.1.2 Indigenous Australians
It is important to note that one of the first, and most often, cited groups within society that participants
felt had their rights compromised were Indigenous Australians.
Aborigines are the most discriminated against and over-represented groups within
prisons
Ex-prisoner group
The aboriginal population would be the obvious first example [of a group not getting a
fair go]
Drug user group

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Indigenous Australians...that would be nearly number one
Mentally ill group
They [indigenous people] have a poorer education quality and find it more difficult to
survive in our society they dont have the support services
Ex-prisoner NGO
However, apart from initial mentions by participants, the issue of aboriginal rights was not explored in
depth within this phase of the research, given that it was explored elsewhere.

2.1.3 Carers
Many participants across different groups noted that the rights of carers were not appropriately
protected, and this group was also similarly identified in the general community research. Participants
believed that many did not become carers willingly and were forced to take on a carers role as there
was no one else in the family capable of taking on the role. Participants felt that the absence of choice
in becoming a carer for many was a reason to have special protection or consideration for this group.
There is a lot of discrimination of carers and carers arent just older people, carers are
across the board, even from children, teenagers, young teenagers, not going to school or
trying to juggle school and caring for somebody at home, whether its their mother or
assisting with a sibling or whatever.
Aged group
They [doctors] withdrew her medication without any consultation with the carer
Mentally ill group
Carers were also believed to inherit the stigma of the people for whom they are caring, thereby often
suffering the same discrimination or perceived abuse of rights.
The taxi driver was so pleasant to her [mental health worker], until he found out what she
did for a living and then all of a sudden the attitude just totally changed...so she had the
same stigma put on her as the people she cared for
Mentally ill group
There were also some who believed that carers should be allowed to represent the rights of people
they cared for if those people are incapable of understanding or expressing their own rights.
Theres a fine line between allowing people with Alzheimers to make their own decisions
about their lives, and their carers knowing that theyre making wonkey decisions
Aged group

2.1.4 Individuals who fall into more than one vulnerable group
A common belief among group participants was that individuals who exist at the intersection of
vulnerable groups (e.g. homeless people who are also drug users, or elderly individuals or refugees
who also have mental illness, etc) were particularly worse off than others when it came to human
rights. Such people were seen to suffer multiple stigmas, and were more likely to be discriminated
against.

If you are a woman and you have a physical disability and you are from a vulnerable
religious background then you are pretty much at the bottom of the society ladder
Physical disability group

9
I think ..where the stuff intersects... where drug using intersects with being poor, with
being Aboriginal ...that is where it really belts home
Drug user group
Multi-cultural groups with mental illness as well... they actually have like stigma in two
areas, plus with mental illness a lot of their culture would actually interfere as well
Mental illness group

Furthermore, many of the groups felt individuals in disadvantaged situations often develop additional
problems due to their circumstances. Drug use and psychological disorders (particularly depression)
were seen as serious risk factors for many individuals who participated in the research.
People on the streets go to escape being on the streets with drugs and alcohol or
anything that they can find. Yeah, so, its just creating more problems, more mental
problems, physical problems, and yeah, its just a massive cycle.
Homeless group
I think if you cant see and cant hear and cant really get around, then youre going to be
depressed
If youve been inside for a while, you really do have some issues to deal with...jails cause
mental health problems
Ex-prisoner group

A consistent finding in the NGO interviews was also that individuals intersecting more than one of the
vulnerable groups had an even tougher time in relation to human rights. The most common
intersections were drug use and mental illness, though the stresses of being a refugee were also
linked to mental health issues. For some, drug use was discussed in terms of a coping strategy for
other conditions present (i.e. homelessness, mental illness).
Around 60% of the homeless population also suffer from drug/alcohol dependencies and
mental illness
Homeless NGO
Addiction is often a coping strategy; medications make them feel drowsy so they want an
upper
Mentally ill NGO
You are stressed without your family, you dont know anyone
Physically they are happy, but mentally they are worried
Refugee group

Amongst NGOs there was a strong sense that individuals intersecting multiple vulnerable groups were
not getting a fair go. In relation to risk factors; NGOs indicated that services tend to provide band-aid
solutions rather than target the root of the problem (ie family breakdown, domestic abuse). As a result
of these problems not being adequately addressed, they snowball into larger problems (criminal
behaviour, homelessness, mental illness etc). These individuals were seen to become even worse off
in relation to their human rights and much more vulnerable.
There is a Lock away and taught a lesson mentality, but we should be targeting the
underlying causes which are mainly family breakdowns.
Ex Criminal, NGO

10
Homelessness is a big problem for the ex-prisoner communitywhen prisoners are
released and have no place to go. Eventually [they] get kicked out of hostels
Ex-prisoner NGO
The refugees coming out of detention are suffering severe mental health
problems.clinical depression is well documented amongst refugee groups
Immigrant Detention NGO
Mentally ill prisoners are in gaols where their mental health conditions are not being
addressed
Ex-prisoner NGO

Impact of financial dependence
A common theme that was identified across a number of groups was that a financial dependence can
be an outcome of the factor that results in them being in a marginalised group. For example, refugees
and immigrants, as well as ex-prisoners and drug users all talked of the difficulties of obtaining
employment. Homeless people talked of having to use almost all of their Centrelink payments on
accommodation, leaving nothing for food. For these people, there can simply be not enough money to
allow them to pay for all the elements of a normal lifestyle.
In these cases, the persons financial situation brings with it additional complexities which contribute to
and exacerbate their situation and increase their chances of falling into more than one at risk group.
For example, financial problems are also associated with mental health issues; or the costs of
accommodation and food being mutually prohibitive.


11
2.2 What are the main rights perceived to be at risk?
The main rights identified by marginalised and vulnerable groups as being at risk are amongst those
identified in the mainstream community research as being the most important and unconditional rights
those related to survival. The community level research indicated that most people in society can
assume that these will be met, and that the more expressive and developmental rights are more
salient at this level. However, participants did identify that some people and groups fall through the
cracks in terms of these universal rights, and the experiences described here show that this is clearly
the case.

2.2.1 Food and shelter
Generally food, water and shelter were seen as the most basic human rights. Most groups felt that the
right to having clean water and food was well protected and delivered within Australian society.
However, some members of the homeless group felt that food and water were more difficult for them
to receive than other groups.
Youre forced to virtually hand over 80 percent of fortnightly payments In accommodation
which leaves very little money for anything else... I was stuck in a boarding house paying
$180.00 a week on DSP and not eating and just having a roof over my head, just for the
sake of not going back out on the street again
Homeless group
We have to source food from service providers like charities
Homeless group
Along with food, shelter was seen as a basic necessity and right. However, in contrast to food and
water, many participants across the groups felt that their right to clean and safe shelter was often
unfulfilled. Although it was acknowledged that there were systems in place for the purpose of housing
people, these systems were often seen to fail those for whom they were designed. Waiting lists were
seen to be too long, and when shelter was received, it was often considered unclean and unsafe.
There is a waiting list like a hundred thousand waiting for housing commission... But
thats across the board, even in our area you look through the paper, and rents for two
bedroom houses, $250, $300. Now an older person or a single person has no hope in
hell of paying for even a granny flat
Aged group
Departments have to understand the urgency of it all. The guy is looking now, hes not
looking for it [shelter] now and hoping for it in 12 months time. Hes looking for it 'cause
he needs it now
Homeless group
It [the boarding house] was disgusting - raking cockroaches out of me mouth at 12
oclock at night, pulling them out of me nose and hoping they dont crawl down my
ears...using a kitchen that people just might as well use as a toilet. Theyre totally
overpriced, totally unsafe ...theyre inhumane.
Homeless group
Something thats really basic to me is a home. Like you know thats your safety thats
your shelter. And youve been in gaol so youve got no recent references for real estate
Ex-prisoner group
Theyre sleeping on the floor in someones apartment, if theyre lucky.

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The sentiments of the homeless group were played back by the NGO (homeless) who indicated that
some individuals can be on department of housing waiting lists in some cases for 5 or 10 years. In
more recent times, there has been increased incidence of families on the street as a result of; (1)
domestic violence and (2) the global financial crisis.
The ability to access shelter was seen as more difficult for vulnerable groups. Discrimination was
mentioned in relation to the Department of Housing selecting successful applicants which is
consistent with the view that people who are at the intersection of two or more vulnerabilities are more
likely to miss out on getting a fair go.
Department of housing employees told me that when they receive an application for
housing from someone with an anxiety disorder that automatically place it on the reject
pile
Mentally ill NGO
There was also concern raised over the peaceful inhabitation of shelter in the community. The NGO
(homeless) reported that police and security guards do not always follow the legislation of peaceful
inhabitation so that homeless persons are moved on by Police or security when there is an event
(ie APEC) or complaints from residents or businesses despite the legislation.

2.2.2 Safety from harm
A basic right to personal safety was seen as both critical, and often neglected amongst group
participants. Although a number of participants recounted experiences in which they, or someone near
to them, suffered physical abuse, the most prevalent abuse of safety was amongst the homeless.
I cant count the amount of times Ive been bashed and moved on, mistreated, urinated
on, excreted on.
Homeless group
We couldnt sleep where we normally slept, so we moved up the road...about two oclock
in the morning we woke up and a few guys were using size 12 alarm clocks on us, kicking
the shit out of us, about six of them. Thats what happened to me after they urinated all
over me first
Homeless group
Furthermore, the right to personal safety was seen to be unfulfilled twice for many people once when
they are abused, and again when they try to report the crime.
I reported it [being physically abused] twice and was told to piss off. That was with a
fractured skull, couple of missing teeth, face was out here like a pumpkin
Homeless group
If a crime happens to you as a known drug user, it is very hard for you to go to the police
and expect equal treatment
Drug user group
There were also concerns amongst elderly and disabled groups about abuse by carers or within
institutions.
Over 50% of people with physical disability have been sexually abused...because of that,
I will only let my son [who is physically disabled] be looked after by family members...I
need to think about the mechanisms that are in place to insure his safety
She spent one year in the acute [psychiatric] ward and being subjected to males who
were dual diagnosis and very aggressive in the ward, kicking walls in and swearing,

13
threatening sexual contact. She could not go to sleep at night... she felt very very
threatened.
The immigrant detention group indicated that they felt there was no protection for them, and they were
not safe from harm in the community, because the system (i.e. police, legal system) did not consider
them. Immigrants both in the community and in detention did not feel safe from harm, and did not feel
they had an avenue of protection.
[The migration agent] was saying the new comers are getting cocky, and disobey the
rules, and it is time to teach them a lesson ... my son was attacked by a person in a
balaclava with a knife
Immigrant detention group
My son was put in stage 1 in a mix up, this centre is reserved for criminals... there are
gangs and knives and murderers in that place
The NGOs reported similar cases where individuals in vulnerable groups were not protected from
harm in care facilities.
Examples of harm ranged from intellectually disabled individuals suffering abusive episodes from
other residents (living in government accommodation), through to extremely violent acts of seclusion
and restraint in mental care facilities.
We contacted the facility, and the property manager looked into it, but the violence
continued and it had to be escalated to the ombudsman
Disability NGO
When I was reviewing the services in a particular hospital, I heard reports that the
doctors would request nurses box and bag the patients when they needed restraint.
This act involved male nurses sitting on patients in order to get them into a straight jacket,
then patients were put in isolation
Mental illness NGO
The notion of safe from harm is a complex issue in mental health services. There are two major
concerns from the NGO perspective:
(1) Firstly, The mental health act currently has a provision for mechanical restraint as a last option,
however the NGO indicated that restraint processes were common and not only used as last resort.
Health care workers (nurses) were afraid to stand up to the doctors in these instances.
The nurse admitted she was too afraid to the doctor yet was horrified with what was
going on
Mental illness NGO
(2) Secondly, the existing process of scheduling in the community is discussed as an example where
there is an inappropriate amount of force and criminalisation.
The process of scheduling needs reform, in some cases 6 police officers will enforce a
schedule and throw a person in the paddy wagon treatment as a criminal has long
lasting effects
Mental illness NGO
There is a strong sense that force is routine in the seclusion and restraint processes in mental health
facilities.


14
2.2.3 Health and medical care
Almost all groups interviewed claimed that their right to medical and health care were either failed or
not adequate. Inability to get appropriate medical care was often a result of being seen as a second or
lower class citizen.
This discrimination took a slightly different form for each of the groups. Drug users found it particularly
difficult to get appropriate treatment because they are stereotyped as a junkies and there is distrust
associated with prescribing them with drugs.
Drug users are too scared to approach health services because doctors classify them as
junkies
Drug user group
Doctors dont trust you, they will under-prescribe
Drug user group
For the homeless, getting sick is not an option,
A bloke asked me what happens when you get sick on the street? I said you just dont
get sick mate
Homeless group

For mentally ill patients, they felt they were not given a fair go in the health service sector both from
their doctors and other mental health workers. Patients believe they are a low priority for their doctors.
Doctors reportedly treat similar patients in the same fashion, with same medications, treatment plan
etc.
Both the group and service provider indicated that the best treatment outcomes for mental illness
occur when there is a partnership between doctors and patients rather than one size fits all approach
to treatment. Older doctors were reported to be unaware of (or to not practice) newer techniques such
as psychotherapy.
The stigma thats in the community is very much evident within health professions...there
are health professionals that treat people with mental illness as lower class
Older doctors dont understand or know all options like psychotherapy ... they just
provide the standard medications.
Mental illness NGO

Another reason for inadequate or inappropriate medical care is the perception that the individual is
beyond treatment or too much of a risk for medical intervention. This was particularly the case for
elderly participants, many of whom have been rejected for treatment due to their age. Elderly
participants also felt that proactive or preventative medicine (e.g. tests and screens) was less likely to
be offered to them.
Hasnt that person of 88 got the same human rights and right to medical treatment that
maybe someone else has?
Aged group
The attitude is well we shouldnt really be putting as much care into them [elderly] as into
someone in their 40s. And I think thats a human rights issue. Theyve got every right to
get the same sort of treatment and medical care as someone that could be forty or fifty.
Aged group

15
I was wondering about having a prostectomy. And the doctor said at your age, no
surgeon would do it. In other words you live with the cancer rather than removing it. And
its this question of if I was ten years younger, no problem. Theyd take out the
prostate....But dont you have the same right as someone ten years younger?
Aged group
Im as good a patient as the bloke across the road whos had his appendix out, never
touched drugs, waiting to go back to work, I dont 'cause any trouble to the nurses or to
any other staff that maybe around. Im just as polite, but because Im taking methadone,
Im registered at a certain clinic, Im an ex-junkie, no Im just in there to rort pills and all
the rest of it. And the treatment is absolute third world
Homeless group

Prisoners also found it difficult to obtain adequate medical care, both in and out of gaol. In gaol, the
queue for medical care was often considered too long and the treatments too superficial.
This guy had a really really bad tooth ache, like unbelievable pain. And he said look Ive
got an appointment to see the dentist in two months time, but I have to see him now Im in
all sorts of pain. And they said no, youre going to have to stay in the queue, wait your
two months and he was given just Panadol by the local nurse there [in gaol]. And he was
told we dont care how much pain youre in. Tough mate, tough.
Ex-prisoner group
The ex-prisoner NGO detailed a pattern of healthcare in gaols where inmates enter gaol in poor
physical health (due to substance abuse, homelessness etc) and actually leave gaol in much worse
condition.
A large number of people in gaol dont have access to dental treatment so they lose their
teeth and are in constant pain
Ex-prisoner NGO
They get Medicare taken away when entering, so cant get medication or specialist
treatment
Ex-prisoner NGO
For immigrants, Medicare was not always accessible (depending on their visa) and doctors were wary
to treat them.
Sometimes [immigrants] turn up to the hospital and they have to sign a paper saying
theyre going to pay the bill. But when theyre on bridging Visa E, they dont have money
to pay for anything. They only get $90 a week from Centrelink.
Immigrant detention NGO
I had been poisoned [in Russia] and arrived as a refugee with no hair, very sick...
doctors always asked me what visa I had, they were negligent toward me and did not
want to spend anytime with me ... I could not get any real medical assistance until I was
a permanent resident
Experiences as a migrant in the immigrant detention system highlight patterns of mental health issues
and long term clinical depression. There was strong agreement that these cases were not being
identified and adequately treated by the system.
When my brother arrived in detention, a man just hanged himself


16
Clinical depression is well documented in immigrant detainee groups
Healthcare needs to be improved in detention facilities, a private prison company is in
charge of the detention centre and try to make a profit, doing everything on the cheap
Despite suffering some discrimination (i.e. not considered a priority), the NGO (aged) was positive
about the standard of health services provided to the aged group. Although single pensioners were
identified as a group that may not be able to access the medication they need, overall the health
system compared well to America.

Single pensioners have an inadequate pension. Those suffering illness may have
medication that cost more than the pension - in some cases some disregard the
medication in order to have a decent meal
Aged NGO
Old people are not too badly off with the health system.... Thank god were not in
America ...we pay only $5.30 for a $30 prescription
Aged NGO

2.2.4 The right to move on
Although not explicitly expressed as a right, most groups talked about the difficulty of moving on from
ones past or present situation. There was a feeling that once someone had fallen into a vulnerable
group such as the mentally ill, prisoners, or drug users, it was difficult to escape the stigma, even after
recovery.
This was particularly relevant to getting work, something that most group participants felt was both a
fundamental right and a difficult goal to achieve, but had wider long-term implications and impacts.
If you go and fill out a job application it says where do you live, no fixed address. You
know, do you have a criminal record, yes. What do you thinks going to happen to that
job application? Its going to go straight through the shredder, you know...its 15 years
ago I committed an offence, longer now, but its always going to harm me
Homeless group
And my doctor has said to me like you probably wont get an internship anywhere
because you see Im a self harmer and Ive self harmed on my arms...Its not fair. And self
harm marks they can last, the scars can last for the rest of your life
Mentally ill group
Employers are not educated toward mental illness, there is no empathy...[employers]
assume [we] are unwell all the time
Mentally ill NGO
When you come out of gaol and apply for a job now, even private, they ask about do you
have a criminal record. And of course, if youre honest and you tick that box, then there is
no way youre going to get that position.
Ex-prisoner group
[Patients] need help preparing for employment.. a co- operative owned job would help
[patients] and employers
Mentally ill NGO

17
2.2.5 The right to work
On the whole, employment was seen to be a positive self esteem promoting activity that assisted
individuals with a sense of belonging, self worth and was a positive activity in changing their situation.
For those who suffer discrimination or are unable to work, this leads to feeling of social isolation and
helplessness (e.g. immigrant and mentally ill).
The right to work was discussed in some detail in the general public research, and amongst this group
it was more often seen that there was a right to be considered for work, rather than to have a job per
se. The issues described above show clearly that some of the marginalised groups do not experience
this right to be considered ex-prisoners, the homeless and drug users for example.
However, there are a number of barriers to employment beyond the moving on from past problems.
Most employment situations are competitive, and many individuals from all these groups are likely to
be relatively uncompetitive compared to other candidates. Refugees and immigrants particularly
spoke of problems related to language barriers, and to a lack of any or recognised work experience.
While in this sense they are at least being treated to the right to be considered, to be perpetually
uncompetitive means that being considered will not necessarily lead to the desired outcome.

2.2.6 The right to dignity
In discussions in the groups, most of the discussion explicitly centred around more basic rights in the
hierarchy of human needs, such as food, shelter, and safety (in the general community research,
these were identified as being more universal rights).
However, many group participants also described situations in which they felt their dignity was taken
from them and implicitly made reference to the fact that this was an important right that was being
violated. Indeed, these were the stories that often evoked the most emotion, both from those telling the
stories and from the rest of the group.
You get used to the indignation from the average Joe on the street....they spit on you
with their eyes...feeling of being on the streets and of people spitting at us with their eyes,
you feel like the absolute lowest forms of life there is. You feel like a worm crawling
across the ground. And youre just waiting for people to step all over you.
Homeless group
With these seven women, they [gaol guards] had them undress, stand there naked,
video them from behind fully naked which is illegal, asked them to spread their legs,
where then two officers then went down beneath under their legs and looked up. Made
them stand there for a length of time naked right so breached so many different rules in
the policy thats required when you strip search a woman. Nothing was found on any
woman. Sorry whats the video tape for, what are you videotaping my naked person for?
Oh this is for training for officers at the academy. So both men and women officers are
going to see my naked body. Yes they will. So is this allowed?
Ex-prisoner group
Like when psychiatrists or other professionals start sort of babying you and belittling
you...you know thats sort of really dehumanising and demoralising.
Mentally ill group
Elderly participants also talked about the importance of the right to a dignified old age and death (in
reference to euthanasia). A number of elderly participants were worried about growing old and losing
their dignity, particularly within institutions.

Its a human right to live in dignity till you die and there are a lot of people out there that
havent got that
Aged group

18
The concept of dignity was also a common theme for both the disability and aged NGOs (as well
amongst the general community groups) who described instances where individuals were unable, or
scared to communicate their wishes / preferences to carers. The result was care provision that was
not respectful of their dignity.

While in care, an individual spent several years being cared for by male nurses, which
was extremely distressing for this individual, this only came to light following her
recovering the ability to communicate.
Disability NGO
In nursing homes the use of infantile talk reserved for small children and pets, diminishes
dignity and is a form of discrimination many fear to challenge this talk in fear of
victimisation after doing this as they require care from the staff.
Aged NGO


19
2.3 What are the problems faced in trying to get a fair go?
2.3.1 Lack of public awareness of human rights
One of the main problems that participants faced in trying to defend their rights is the perceived lack of
awareness of rights amongst the general public.
Australians are not very well versed in the notions of human rights
Drug user group
This lack of awareness and understanding was also identified in the mainstream community research.
However, for most people where their rights are not under threat this is not much of a problem.
For these marginalised and vulnerable groups though, who are experiencing a threat to their rights,
this does become a real problem, with others not knowing exactly what they can and cannot expect.
For a few, this was seen to be a direct result of Australias not having a Bill of Rights, though for most,
it was more due to a lack of basic education on human rights. A number of people mentioned the
need to have a special syllabus in schools covering human rights.
I think that we should start right from the beginning to educate our young
Aged group
A lot of it is brought down to a lack of education and awareness among consumers
Mentally ill group
Maybe the school should have a special kind of program that starts educating our young
from a very young age
Aged group
[immigrants] think democracy equals human rights

2.3.2 Lack of awareness amongst vulnerable groups
An additional problem relating to awareness was the perception that the vulnerable groups themselves
were lacking awareness of their own basic rights and how to obtain information on them. Again, this
was recognised amongst the wider population, but was less of a problem.
A lot of people living on the street dont understand their rights. And theyre not prepared
to stand up and fight for their rights because they dont know what their rights are. So how
do you fight for something you dont know?
Homeless group
Not many homeless people know that they do have any rights, so they come up against
a government department who is being frustrating or denying rights then they just storm
off and then not access things that are really vital for them - so many do not access
Centrelink at all because it is too frustrating
Homeless NGO
We went to Amnesty International to find out about our rights, but they did not help
Immigrant Detention group
Many of the NGOs reported that there is no form of rights communication to vulnerable groups they
work with. For some, they have tried to facilitate an awareness process (distributing information), but
the material was not distributed by government agencies (i.e. prisons), while others were the port of
call for any breaches.

20
We sent them [gaols] info packs on human rights for prisoners, but prisoners never saw
the material
Ex-prisoner NGO
There is no access to human right info, [immigrants] think democracy equals human
rights
They go to NGOs for information
Aged NGO
Support structures for those with disability are often not well known or accessible so that
the ombudsman is contacted to review the breaches
Disabled NGO

2.3.3 Lack of awareness amongst service providers
Lack of awareness amongst service providers was also mentioned as a considerable barrier in getting
a fair go. Individuals working in government departments were seen as having not enough
understanding / education about the people they serve or of basic human rights. Low education /
awareness was reported to lead to:
- Incorrect / incomplete servicing of individual (i.e. refugees)
- Discrimination (via stereotype or standardised policies that do not consider unique needs)
- Allocation to the too hard basket (immigration)
- Breaching from services (Centrelink, Department of Housing)

The government employ people who have no idea about the people using their services
There is very low education level in the immigration system
Department of housing employees told me that when they receive an application for
housing from someone with an anxiety disorder they automatically place it on the reject
pile
Mentally ill NGO
Many carers dont even realise their actions [of ageism] are discriminatory
Aged, NGO

The lack of identification amongst service providers is also an issue, where no
provision is made for the conditions of the individual.
Homeless NGO

Homeless are made to go through rigmarole of making job applications to receive
Centrelink payment
Homeless NGO

21
2.3.4 Accessible information
For those wishing to receive information on human rights, there was a feeling that information was not
easily accessible though this may reflect more that such information simply does not exist in a
comprehensive form. Group participants generally did not know where to go to get information about
human rights and often mentioned their relevant non-government organisation as a first port of call.
Well the consumers who come here to this facility on a regular basis, they learn a lot.
They learn heaps because [name] and [name] are such good advocates that they make
sure that theyre fed that information...But there are too many, just like there are hidden
carers, they are hidden consumers out there who are still isolated and dont come to
these places where all the information is
Mentally ill group
I dont have any information. I wanted to know more about them [human rights, to
prepare for the discussion], and I searched for the informationcouldnt find it.
Refugee group
It was also mentioned that even when information was accessible, it was often in a format that was
inappropriate for those who needed it. Participants with severe visual impairment claimed that it was
difficult to come by the information in Braille, while homeless participants pointed out that information
available on the internet was inaccessible to them. For immigrants, language was a huge factor in
accessing support and services in the community.

2.3.5 Inability to keep up with technology
A number of participants felt that their lack of understanding of the latest technologies was an
impediment to getting a fair go and having their rights upheld. There was a feeling that much of the
information that was available on rights was on the internet, a medium that was either unfamiliar
(particularly amongst the elderly) or physically inaccessible (for example, among the homeless).
Its assumed today that everyone is computer literate and can work mobile phones and
can have access to MSM and whatever technology is the buzz at the moment.... you miss
out
Aged group
A lot of elderly people dont have access to the internet and arent interested
Aged group
For refugees and immigrants from developing countries, technology could also be a substantial
barrier. In these countries technology is far less pervasive than it is in Australia, and many people will
have grown up without any experience of the sorts of technologies that are fundamental to daily living
in Australia. This lack of familiarity can be both an immediate barrier, but also a longer term one.

2.3.6 Stereotyping
Many of the groups involved in this stage of the research explicitly or implicitly reported that the wider
community treats them as stereotypes of the category rather than as individuals and that in most
cases these stereotypes are negative, and have negative impacts on how they are treated. Examples
included drug users who reported that it was just assumed they were rorting the system to obtain
drugs; refugees that people saw them as people from countries that they knew only bad things about;
and mentally ill people who are normal until they disclose their illness.

22
This stereotyping appears to result in negative encounters and outcomes, in some cases generating
ill-will and if anything perpetuating the stereotype. Being able to be treated as an individual rather
than a member of a group may help those who are trying to move on to do so.

2.3.7 Documentation
A number of groups also reported problems associated with documentation. Being able to prove your
identity to access certain services and benefits often requires formal documents, which some people
do not have. For example, homeless people may not have passports and drivers licences, nor credit
cards and other secondary identifications that most members of the community do have.
Refugees also described a problem with being able to access documents. In the countries that they
come from, record keeping is often not as formal as it is in Australia, and some reported that only one
original hard copy of documents is likely to ever have existed. If these are destroyed or unable to be
accessed not uncommon in countries where refugees have come from then there is simply no way
to obtain a copy of them. However, they report that Australian agencies and companies are often very
rigid in their requirements for documents, and cannot deal with situations where they cannot be
provided.

23
2.4 How protection of human rights could be improved
2.4.1 Make it black and white
A fundamental, written document outlining the rights of all groups in society was seen by many of the
marginalised and vulnerable groups to be a necessary step before any rights could be consistently
protected. Although most generally agreed that Australian culture and society usually sought to
uphold human rights, most felt that it was necessary to commit to the protection of human rights in
writing so that this good intent had some specific guidance.
You will never stop discrimination, whether it be racial discrimination, whether it be class
discrimination, whatever. You will never stop that, but if its in black and white saying that
you cannot purposely go out and victimise that person because theyre homeless, then at
least the person that is homeless has some form of rights by that charter, by that
legislation
Homeless group
I think if there was a human rights bill legislated to me that would mean that not only all
government departments but all NGOs would have to follow that legislation
Drug user group
We as individuals dont have to educate the doctor, the legislation does it for us....Makes
it a level playing field. Then theyve got no defence
Aged group
I just want something that tells me what rights I have when I get to Australia
This view was also widely expressed in the qualitative stages of the general community research
though interestingly it did not come through so strongly in the survey responses.
Several participants suggested that human rights could be summarised in a document that could be
easily hung on a wall. This document could then be distributed amongst government departments and
agencies, thus serving as a constant reminder to staff and an easy reference to those receiving
government services. This may help to overcome the problems of both individuals now knowing their
rights, but also agencies or service providers who work with them not knowing their rights.
This notion of an overarching act was reiterated by the NGOs who believed having a written
document would help vulnerable groups have a framework to approach breaches in their rights.
Often, the existing structures for addressing human rights breaches (ombudsman, equal opportunities,
conciliation) are difficult and end in no formal findings.
A human rights act would be ideal - so that department agencies have a framework in
which they can manage homeless persons situation.
Homeless NGO
The lack of formal documentation [of rights] means that the ombudsman is often the only
way to address the breaches
Disability NGO
Signing of the optional protocol, once ratified will be great. It will make the country
responsible for the conditions of the prisoners, UN inspectors come and inspect to shame
countries
Ex Prisoner NGO


24
2.4.2 Enhance service delivery
In describing many of the problems that participants had in attaining their basic human rights, the vast
majority of participants referred not to human rights per se, but to service providers. As in the general
public research, there was a feeling that rights were essentially protected by the Australian legal
system and also by Australian culture, but that when rights were not upheld it was often due to
systemic problems with service delivery.
Australian society is generally about getting a fair go...its the systems in society where
we generally come unstuck
As described earlier (see Section 2.1), service providers are often seen to have been designed to deal
only with people who can function at a normal level ie: those with fixed addresses, telephone
numbers, those who can communicate clearly, travel easily etc. This was often seen to be at odds with
real people in need of service provision. A homeless group participant described such a situation:
In 2008 I had received a letter from the Department of Housing to say that I had two
working days from date of issue to contact them, otherwise it would be assumed by the
Department of Housing that I was already housed and no longer required their services.
Thats what they said, two working days. When I was living on the street I only used to
access my mail once a week, once or twice a week from a service provider and I was five
or six days late anyway. So I looked at it and I thought well, theres my train and its
already gone
Homeless group
This particular scenario was described as quite common by the NGO for homeless people,
interviewed in the research. The NGO claimed knowledge of at least 100 such situations, where
there was clear mismatch in service delivery protocol and the needs of those who rely on the service.
Most of them just tear up the letter and dont bother following it up any further than that.
NGO, homeless
Refugees also reported similar issues with respect to, for example, Centrelink payments being
stopped if a response was not received within 2 working days to a letter but through language
barriers or failure to have updated contact details, these letters not being received or understood.
Given the opt-in nature of these type of arrangements, these cases may in fact look like successes to
the agencies involved but are clearly failures from the perspective of the (non) recipient.
Migrant and immigration detention service provision is another area NGOs would like to see focus in
order to improve basic human rights provision for this vulnerable group. For NGOs it was about a fair
go for immigrants / refugees who need support services and do not have the luxury of contacting their
own embassy in Australia as they are fleeing from that administration.
There are 3 areas for improvement to better protect human rights; (1) Support services, (2)
Immigration Legislation/process reform and (3) Case management.
(1) Increased support services (induction and education). Access to migrant services and support
was reported to have declined considerably so that migrants were left isolated and unsupported in the
community The migration system is in need of induction and support when entering the country or
exiting detention to ensure these individuals are not simply lost.
We need to know what to do, where to go, who to talk to
This organisation was lovely but they did not know anything, they were only able to give
us some furniture. They could not tell us about legal advice, housing or education
schemes, we did not know how to find information


25
In one example, refugees (from Africa) arrived in Australia and were collected by migrant services and
delivered to housing, but not given any instructions on how to do basic activities such as how to use a
kettle, or use a phone.
Migrant Services arrived to the house on Monday, and the family had not eaten anything
all weekend, they didnt know how to open a tin
An African family arrived on Friday with an ill child, by Monday the child was dead
because the father could not use a telephone or speak English
If youve fled Afghanistan, or Nigeria or anywhere, unless youre really sure the people
you are talking to are trustworthy, then youve got a real problem. They dont know who to
talk to.
Some people tell them to go to a migration agent. Sometimes they go to legal aid, if they
know about legal aid, but often they cant find out about these things.
The NGOs take responsibility for caring for refugees in detention and when they are
released because the government does not provide any support

(2) The Immigration process and legislation. The NGOs indicated that not only is the system so
difficult to navigate but there are legislations which need reform.
Whichever way we turn there is another regulation
Migration Act should change- as it stand there is a clause that people may be locked up
indefinitely which is outrageous
There is no other country in the world has this process where a federal court can
overturn a tribunal decision to have it return to the tribunal and the same decision made
again
Immigrant Detention, group
Refugees and the refugee NGO noted that processes which they need to access for example, trying
to bring family members to Australia - are often very complex, and made especially difficult for people
with limited English language skills. Refugees also reported that they were often not given any
information about what criteria their applications needed to meet either before being made, and in
some cases even after being rejected.

(3) Case management across a range of issues
There is no provision in the immigration system for case management when individual cases are
complex. For many immigrants they feel at the mercy of the system and powerless to change their
situation because they cannot work or obtain an education.
Some of them [immigrants] just give up [mentally] and are not interested any more

26
In these instances, NGOs may take a case management role, and in most cases they incur great
personal expense to do this.
God sent us these people [NGO name] and [NGO name]
I just wanted to come to Australia and get an education, but I had no right to work and no
right to study, if I did, I would be sent to detention
The parole system is another service provision area described as being in need of reform. Currently
being run by corrective services, the parole system is considered to focus on catching people out
rather than helping readjust and rehabilitate in the community. Some parole restrictions placed on
parolees are considered unrealistic and counter-productive in the readjustment process.
One parole officer did not allow parolee to see any person including his mother and
brother, whom he had a close relationship with. Isnt this essential? Shouldnt we be
encouraging this?
Ex prisoner NGO
Because parole officers are not easy to deal with, some prisoners will not take parole
and serve entire 7 years [instead of 5 years plus 2 years parole]
Ex prisoner NGO
The inability to access support structures in order to move on was a common theme amongst NGO
interviews. The prisoner community were considered to be in need of re-adjustment mentoring and
education post gaol time in order to significantly reduce re-offense rates.
Prisoners are not given appropriate training to prepare for release how to operate
computers, skills, proper training course
Ex-prisoner NGO
Mentor needs to be able to introduce the mentee to proper housing programs,
education programs, computer programs
Ex-prisoner NGO
For those with mental illness, there was also a strong call for increased coaching and mentoring
services to help a readjustment and recovery process in the community. The mental illness patients
are in need of mentoring and support to re-adjust to life and employment after periods of relapse.
NGOs play the role to fill the gap when care co-ordinators do not have the time to sit on
a bus or go to the movies
[patients] need assistance to prepare a wellness plan to prevent relapse
Mentally ill NGO
Generally, in relation to human rights, enhancing service delivery was felt to come down to four
factors:
1. Ensuring all staff within service providers know, understand and uphold the rights of those
receiving services.
2. Ensuring that service providers, government departments and health workers show respect
and empathy when dealing with vulnerable groups.
3. Ensuring that vulnerable groups are treated the same as other members of society.
4. Designing services and service delivery more around the needs, barriers, and limitations of
those using the service.

27
2.4.3 Raising awareness through easily accessible media
Most felt that raising awareness of human rights is an important step to protecting the rights of
vulnerable groups.
A number of participants mentioned that the 60
th
Anniversary Special Edition booklets produced by the
United Nations are a good example of an accessible and transferable medium through which to
promote individual rights.
I think handing out booklets like this that are easy to carry is a great idea. Relatively
easy to read, I mean for those that can read.
Homeless group

2.4.4 Enforce a statute of limitations on background information
The issue of people who were previously in a marginalised or vulnerable group moving on was clearly
identified as a problem. The ability of people to move out of these groups and into mainstream society
is clearly beneficial for all parties, but forcing people to have to continue to acknowledge past events
which may no longer be directly relevant for an extended period of time can prevent them from doing
so with this information from their past continuing to shape their present.
Anyone thats done ten years after gaol that hasnt re-offended ...if there is a box to tick,
they shouldnt have to tick it [when applying for a job]
Ex-prisoner group
The tickbox should be removed unless its relevant, for example we shouldnt need it if
applying for a job as a postman or labourer
Ex-prisoner NGO

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2.5 Specific issues raised by vulnerable groups
2.5.1 The aged
Elderly participants generally felt that rights are well protected within Australia, but had concerns about
a number of specific issues:

Grandparents raising children
Participants were concerned that, although the number of grandparents raising children was growing
in Australia, this group did not have access to the same welfare rights as carers (largely because they
are considered family by service providers, rather than carers).

The right to the best available medical treatment
Elderly participants were not only concerned about their right to access appropriate and affordable
medicine, but also their right to choose the treatments they received. Several participants noted that
medical practitioners often failed to recommend the best course of action for elderly patients because
they felt the patient was too much at risk or simply because the patient was considered to have little
time to live regardless (see Section 2.2.3).
Some participants also felt that preventative healthcare should be as much a right of the elderly as of
younger demographics.
Mammograms for women over 70 youre actively encouraged between 60 and 70 to
have a mammogram. And after 70 they go quiet, cause youre too old, they dont care.
Aged group
For those suffering illness [on a single pension] the medication costs more than the
pension - in some cases people will disregard medication in order to get a decent meal
Aged NGO

The concept of ageism
The concept of ageism was used as a term that covered discrimination against the aged population.
Electronic and print media were cited to reinforce the negative stereotypes of the aged.
Ageism is the inability / refusal to recognise the rights and dignity of older people.
Community sees older people lacking competence, having problems with computers.
Ageist views are in the work place where it is believed that we cant learn new skills,
absenteeism is greater and I dont respect my manager
Aged NGO

The right to dignity in old age and in death
Aged care institutions were often seen as removing older peoples rights to dignity, based on the
experiences of some people that group participants knew.
Several participants commented on the importance (and perceived absence) of the right to a dignified
death, or euthanasia. This was also commonly mentioned in the general community research.
For others, it was a concern of appropriate communication to the elderly in care;
In nursing homes the use of infantile talk reserved for small children and pets, diminishes
dignity and is a form of discrimination many fear to challenge this talk in fear of
victimisation after doing this as they require care from the staff.
Aged NGO

29
The rights and role of carers of the elderly
There was much discussion around carers and the fact that this group needed to be recognised more
within the welfare system. Participants also felt that there were situations where carers should be
made custodians of the rights of those they cared for. This was particularly important in situations
where a recipient of care is not sound of mind and is incapable of making good decisions, for example
in the case of progressive senility or age-related mental illness.

Using appropriate technology to communicate rights
Elderly participants were amongst the most vocal in criticising the exclusive use of internet and, to a
lesser extent, mobile phones, for communicating rights to people. They felt that they, as a generation,
were naturally less likely to use such technologies, and thus, unlikely to benefit.

Equal Opportunities for the Aged
An area emphasised by the NGO was surrounding equal opportunities for persons over 50 years, and
in particular employment opportunities. It was reported that there are myths about the aged that
prevent them from getting employment. The inability to secure employment is reported to cause
feelings of low self esteem.
The thing that really gets up mens noses is the devalued feelings its an issue of self
esteem. Low self esteem means sicker more often
Aged NGO
Equal opportunities should have an educating function
Aged NGO
Some companies offer training (like Westpac bank) and have an all ages policy - good
stuff
Aged NGO

2.5.2 The mentally ill
Participants with mental illness tended to focus on many of the same themes that arose in the Aged
group, namely:

The right to dignity
Participants with mental illness felt strongly that there was a stigma attached to mental disorders and
that they suffered discrimination as a result, even at the hands of health care professionals.
Were not schizophrenia, bipolar, ADHD...were people and thats what human right is all
about
Mentally ill group
The stigma about mental illness is strongest amongst doctors
Mentally ill, NGO
The process of scheduling needs reform, in some cases 6 police officers will enforce a
schedule and throw person in the paddy wagon treatment as a criminal has long
lasting effects
Mentally ill, NGO

30
They also felt that the stigma associated with mental illness often prevented them from attaining other
rights, such as the right to work and drive.
There is this assumption that people with mental illness are ill all the time
Mentally ill NGO

The right to choose treatments
A specific issue raised within this group was the right to choose medicines and treatments. There was
a feeling that the medical system often imposed treatments without considering the preferences of the
individual, or the potential side effects for that individual.
All the education Ive got is my own body, my own body tells me what [medicine] works
and what doesnt work
Mentally ill group
I help educate consumers to plan appointments to tell doctors certain information so they
are not given blanket medications.. We need to respect the rights to be part of the
decision making process.
Mentally ill, NGO

The rights to holistic mental health care and support
The mental health system is described as a system operating in silos that do not have a holistic
approach to care provision. The mental illness NGO suggested that people with mental illnesses will
not be given a fair go in the Australian community until there is an holistic approach.
An holistic approach is suggested to enable those in the system to have a number of services co-
ordinated on their behalf. The system is described to focus on crisis care and dealing with the
symptoms of the mental illness but not the underlying causes (eg childhood trauma or abuse). The
system is depicted to be overloaded so that there is not an imbalance between crisis care and care
co-ordination.
In addition mentoring programs to assist readjustment and recovery was back in the community will
ensure individual can access all the rights/services they require.

The right to Education & Opportunity
It is reported that there is widespread misunderstanding of mental illness amongst the broader
Australian community. It is suggested that increasing accurate knowledge and awareness of mental
illness in the community will help with increased empathy and opportunities from employers and
organisations. One solution for employment opportunity was suggested to be commune jobs.
Assistance to re-join society in the form of employment, responsibilities
Mentally ill, NGO

2.5.3 The physically disabled
Physically disabled participants also voiced similar concerns to aged and mentally ill participants,
including:


31
The right to safety from harm
One of the key concerns of physically disabled individuals, their carers and relevant NGOs was the
levels of abuse they suffered both physical and sexual. Severely physically disabled individuals were
seen to be at considerable risk, particularly if they were incapable of communicating clearly.

The rights of parents of disabled children
Several participants felt that parents of children with disabilities needed their rights protected,
particularly in regards to welfare, medical and psychological/psychiatric treatment. Participants felt that
parents needs and rights were often overlooked, despite the physical and mental burden of caring for
a disabled person.
Often you get pretty severe health deterioration among parents [of disabled children]
...who is speaking out on their behalf?
Physically disabled group (parent)

The right to freedom of movement and access
Although group participants acknowledged that much progress had been made in ensuring that
disabled people were able to move freely in public, many felt that there were still too many instances in
which facilities were not designed with the rights of disabled people in mind.
It shouldnt be that we have to argue after a building is built [for disabled access]
Physically disabled group
Person with dexterous difficulties may be unable to purchase transport tickets from
ticketing machines
Physically disabled NGO

2.5.4 Ex-prisoners
Although group participants were all ex-prisoners now living freely within society, many of their
concerns were focussed on the rights of people inside prison.
Theres a general statement inside prison about how people feel about their rights. And
that is that youve got no rights
Ex-prisoner group
There was a general belief that all rights within prisons were either taken away or to some extend
degraded. However, there were some specific rights that participants felt were particularly important.

The right to dignity
Basic rights (or needs) such as food, water and shelter were generally seen to be provided, but
participants felt that prisoners often lost their identity and humanity. A number of stories arose in which
prisoners were degraded (e.g. by being asked to strip, then video-taped).

Right to defend ones rights
Ex-prisoners felt that the prison system punished those who spoke out and tried to defend their rights
whilst in gaol, by taking away basic privileges.
You know its wrong, you know its illegal, but if you were to make a complaint, you will
lose because of it.
Ex-prisoner group

32
If you start standing up theres ramifications Youre a trouble maker and you lose
things as a result.
Ex-prisoner group
Why dont people speak up about all these things that happen [in prison]? Most times,
because theyve been knocked down so many times when they do speak up in there and
they lose so much more as a result of speaking up, so they dont after a while
Ex-prisoner group

Right to an education
There was feeling that prisoners were seen as lost to society, with little investment made in
rehabilitation, including provision for education whilst in prison. The right to an education was seen as
a fundamental right that should be protected for all members of society, including prisoners.
The teachers federation are up in arms about this, theyve got all the wonderful facilities,
but no one will pay for the teachers to come out and teach them
Ex-prisoner group

Right to move on
One of the biggest issues for ex-prisoners after leaving gaol was the difficulty of re-integrating into
society (see also Section 2.2.4). In order to do so effectively, participants believed that there was a
necessity to move on from the past. However, this was difficult to achieve given the constant need to
provide information about their prison time employment forms, applications for private housing, and
applications for bank accounts and finance all require them to identify their past records and this is
felt to further negatively influence the outcomes of their current application.

2.5.5 Drug users
Most of the concerns of drug users were also reflected in other groups (particularly the ex-prisoner and
homeless groups).

The right to healthcare
The biggest concern for drug users was in the difficulty of obtaining what they perceived to be good
healthcare. Generally, there was a belief that users are judged very quickly within the medical
system, then treated as a secondary priority. This was particularly the case if they suffered medical
conditions that were prevalent amongst users, such Hepatitis C.
Drug users are too scared to approach health services...Doctors classify them as
junkies
Drug user group
They dont identify themselves as a user or Hep C user, because they feel judged
Drug user group

The right to move on
More so than many other groups, drug users felt that their condition rendered it very difficult to get on
with their lives once they decided to take action to stop using drugs.

33
It is very difficult to get back on track
Drug user group
Many drug cessation treatments were seen to be harsh, and unsympathetic to users. It was noted that
for other addictions and mental health problems (e.g. gambling), treatments tended to wean people off
their addictions, whereas most drug cessation treatment expected users to suddenly stop using
substances, whilst at the same time trying to fit back into normal society.

2.5.6 Homeless
Not surprisingly, basic rights such as food and shelter were the main concerns of homeless people.
Shelter, in particular, was seen as a basic right that was not adequately protected. Participants
understood that systems were in place to provide housing, but often complained that the systems are
designed as if to deal with normal people, rather than people in their circumstances. The following is a
story that summarises such a situation:
Early in 2008 I had received a letter from the Department of Housing to say that I had
two working days from date of issue to either contact them, otherwise it would be
assumed by the Department of Housing that I was already housed and no longer required
their services. Thats what they said, two working days. I have a copy of the letter in my
bag if you would like one. When I was living on the street I only used to access my mail
once a week, once or twice a week from a service provider and I was five or six days late
anyway. So I looked at it and I thought well, theres my train and its already gone...why
should I bother ringing up, getting rejected once again by the Department of Housing
saying sorry AJ but you were meant to contact us within two working days from date of
issue.
Homeless group
The right to safety from harm
After food and shelter, physical safety is a key issue for homeless people. Sleeping on the streets
exposes Streeties to frequent attacks and violence (see Section 2.2.2 for more detail and examples).

The right to live on the streets
Although apparently counter intuitive, one of the rights that this group felt needed protecting was the
right to live on the streets. Having found themselves with no option but to sleep on the streets,
homeless people felt that they should be protected and left in peace, without the constant pressure to
be moved on by police.
These people have to have written rights where they are able to stay on the streets in a
safe place without move on orders and disruption so they can get themselves into
housing or at some stage when they can find housing. You know they are protected in
their Cocoon, not torn out and accused and thrown about and spat on and all the rest of
it
Homeless group

2.5.7 Recently arrived Immigrants and Refugees
Refugees and immigrants faced many of the same issues, though there were some additional factors
that were especially relevant to refugees. Those people who participated in the research (both
immigrants and refugees) generally indicated that they found the human rights situation in Australia far
better than what they had previously experienced, and overall were very positive about Australia and
they way they were treated. They were aware that some individual people treated them badly, but felt
that mostly their treatment by Australians was good. The refugees in particular were at pains to make

34
it clear that they would have preferred to have been able to stay in their home country, but once they
had had to leave, Australia offered them a very good alternative. The service provider interviewed felt
that where racial tension was seen it was because groups instinctively realised that they were
competing with each other for limited resources and funding and that this seemed particularly to be
the case between the indigenous population, and some (but not all) immigrant or refugee
communities.
Australia is doing very well. Where I came from before, we had no rights.
Refugee group
Australian person very nice. I feel very comfortable. Love the freedom. Hope to stay in
_____, find job.
Immigrant group
"I see Australia as a combination of all the refugees that come together - a free country, a
free mind, [for] a broken heart. You describe the refugee, like a group of people that they
are all broken, they have broken hearts. A hopeless lifethey are hopeless because
they saw their life destroyed...they don't have any hope that they can make their life again
or not. They think "I'll be alive, or not". In Australia we can't say that all these people
they are hopeless and they have a broken heart. All broken hearts together to start a
new life...because every refugee comes together [and] they make a new life"
Refugee group
Not all the branches are wet, and not all the branches are dry. In every country there are
good people and bad people.
Refugee group
Its just been a huge change in my life, and I thank God for that.
Refugee group
They did note however that Australians perceptions of them were often quite stereotyped, and often
these stereotypes were based on attitudes derived from a continually negative depiction of their home
countries in the media. It wasnt that the media was felt to portray them or their countries unfairly, but
rather in an unbalanced way such that only negative images were ever propagated. The result of this
was that some people tended to judge them based on visual characteristics such as skin colour etc,
rather than treat them as individuals, and that the automatic associations were of poverty, crime and
violence.
You only ever hear of these places when there is a problem.
Refugee group
All that people know here about _____ is bad.
Refugee group

Communications and language
The most obvious issue which influences the experience of someone who comes to Australia from
another country is their language skills. People who come from English speaking countries (even non-
Anglo English speaking countries) have a significant advantage over those who do not. People who
cannot communicate in English are forced to utilise friends or other community members to act as
translators, with this dependence giving them less freedom to move around the community and
interact with people.
People who cannot speak English have a much harder time than refugees who can
speak English.
Refugee group

35
The service provider interviewed reported that relatively few immigrants who they work with appear to
use the various translation services available, due to factors like cost, awareness and unfamiliarity
with how to actually use them. They also noted that even when underlying language skills are
reasonable, that an accent causes some people to assume that they cannot or will not understand the
person, and so they dont even try to listen to what they are saying.
Communications problems cause a number of issues, and can result in relatively trivial issues
becoming more serious.
"For instance, I remember I was with a driver who was stopped by a policeman simply
because he had more than enough people in the car. Instead of charging or fining him
they sent this man straight to jail. From there he spent two days in jail before they sent
him to court. The judge sent him to work two weeks in prison - he spent another fortnight.
Its the complication; you have no one to look after you.
Refugee group
It was noted however that there were English language classes readily available, and that children
learned more easily in schools and became a valuable resource for parents and the older generation.
The service provider interviewed felt that sometimes teachers in schools were not really aware of the
culturally different roles that children played in immigrant or refugee families, and how these may
impact on the time that they could devote to schoolwork.
My 15 year old daughter learns English at the high school, she has much better English
than me or my Husband.
Immigrant group
A consequence of poor language skills is that written communications are not understood, and often
not read at all. This is particularly important when communications from Government agencies,
especially Centrelink, are not responded to. Participants reported cases where they knew of people
who had received letters from Centrelink that they could not read but which had required a response
within two days in order to avoid payments being stopped. Because they had not been able to do so,
this had resulted in significant economic hardship in the interim.
Complex bureaucratic forms and processes are also not well understood by those with poor English.
Given that many immigrants and refugees are trying to work with systems to bring out other family
members, which is a particularly complex process, this often causes problems and additional stress.
Refugees reported not being able to find out about the criteria that they had to meet, or those that they
had not met when they were declined.
A final note on immigrant and refugee communication skills relates to the difference between spoken
and written language. Because education levels in many countries are poor, some people cannot
read or write their own language to start with; and some English speakers can speak but not read or
write in English. In this way, immigrants and refugees can more easily find themselves having similar
issues that any illiterate person in the community might, even when their spoken skills are adequate.

Employment
A key impact of the communication barrier is on the ability of immigrants and refugees to obtain a job.
The failure to have a job means that their financial situation can be difficult, and then there are further
issues that flow from this state.
To find a job is difficult, because of the language.
Immigrant group
Both immigrants and, in particular, refugees identified the requirement to have work experience as a
major barrier to their ability to obtain work. When competing for work, having no experience (and
presumably no referees) makes them relatively less competitive, and therefore less able to obtain a
job.
Ability to get a job can also be impacted by limited experience with pervasive technologies, putting
immigrants and refugees at a competitive disadvantage.

36
What about people who dont understand computers?
Refugee group
In order to actually get a job, immigrants and refugees often have to repeatedly move around the
country trying to find opportunities. This is somewhat problematic in terms of settling into a community
and establishing networks. It also means that often the contact details that Government agencies
have for them are out of date, and important communications such as Centrelink notices or drivers
licence papers go astray.

Documents
People who come to Australia from other countries often do not have, or have access to, documents
that most Australians would be able to obtain. This is especially the case for refugees, for whom any
such documents often only ever exist in their original form and the events that lead to them
becoming refugees often also result in the destruction of these documents or else make them
impossible to get.
Australian systems are often very inflexible in respect to these documents, and participants reported
having excessive delays or being unable to proceed when not able to produce documents such as
marriage certificates or the like.
I could not get my marriage certificate. I thought the photos we had from our wedding
would be enough, but they said no. It was only because I had not deleted e-mails that I
could prove that I had been in communication with him [my Husband] for the whole time,
but what if I had not kept them?
Refugee group

Mental Health
This research has shown that people with mental health issues also have associated human rights
issues; and that people who experience more than one marginalising factor can be particularly
vulnerable to human rights issues. The very experience of being an immigrant is stressful, and for
refugees this is amplified by the events that lead to their situation, and quite often separation from and
uncertainly about family members. It seems very likely that immigrants and especially refugees could
experience mental health problems.
Physically they are happy, but mentally they are worried.
Refugee group
I can see it in their eyes that they [people in the street] are scared of me.
Refugee group
Immigrants and refugees who have language barriers experience additional stress, including being
concerned that with their limited skills they will inadvertently cause offence. Because they cannot
express themselves, they often will say that things are good even if they are not, simply to avoid
problems.
I amalwaysworried.
Refugee group (very limited English skills)

Lack of Information
One participant in the refugee group attempted to do some research into Human Rights in Australia,
and was surprised to find that he could not find any single document that described the rights that
people had. He felt that this would be very useful information to have.

37
2.5.8 People in immigration detention
The experiences of detainees were similar to experiences of refugees and recently arrived immigrant
groups in relation to communication and navigating the bureaucracy of immigration with the plethora of
forms and documents required. The people who participated in the research indicated the overall
experience in Australia had been frustrating because the system did not provide any support for
them, they needed to know what to do, where to go, who to talk to and this was not provided. The
types of support the group indicated was needed were legal advice, housing advice and education
scheme advice.
I had no right to work, no right to study and if I do, I go to detention
The immigrant detention group generally had positive feelings toward the Australian community, and
felt indebted to the NGO for support provided to them. Apart from this support, these immigrants felt
they had no support and no voice, they indicated that they had nothing to do with the government in
relation to rights. In particular, the immigration department was described as discriminatory, unfair,
inconsistent (in its actions) with a high degree of regulation which left immigrants feeling helpless and
powerless to continue in their situation.
[NGO name] was interested in our case and helped us, she was the only one
Until you make yourself understood [in English] it is hard to navigate the bureaucracy of
the immigration system
You have no voice unless you have a lawyer with you
They do not have a voice, they come from countries where they are not allowed to have
a voice or stand up for themselves

The Detention Experience
Both the immigrant group and service provider described the detention experience as one with no
rights, no access to support and no provision of a human rights framework. Overall, the detention
experience is described to be isolated, with poor general conditions and medical care. In several
examples, individuals in detention would sell all property and assets in their home countries to arrange
legal support while in detention, often to no avail, being still in detention and subsequently penniless.
Unless you get a visitor you are never brought out into the main area, I was involved with
one lady who had no contact for 6 years while she was in detention
Healthcare needs to be improved in detention facilities, a private prison company is in
charge of the detention centre and try to make a profit, doing everything on the cheap

Mental Health
Mental health is a particular concern with high incidence in detention. There were cited cases of
suicide whilst in detention; long term depression and drug use associated and resulting from the
detention experience (see section 2.2.3).

38

Employment & Education after detention
The immigrant detention group and service provider spoke about the Visa situation (Class E) and
requirements to report to immigration (in some cases this was daily). This scenario meant immigrants
were not allowed to work or study. Daily reporting to CBD immigration offices was a huge struggle for
immigrants from a cost and language perspective. The immigrants felt it was an unfair expectation, as
they were not allowed to work to earn money or study to learn English - yet they were required to have
both money and English skills to travel to immigration.

Migration Agents
Both the immigrant detention group and service provider described concerning accounts of
experiences between immigrants and migration agents. Immigrants described being advised to
contact migration agents as a first port of call for legal advice / support. There was a sense that
migration agents were taking advantage of the illegal immigrant situation (ie the vulnerability of having
no English language skills and no visa).
There was strong concern of insufficient policing of migration agents so they were doing whatever they
wanted to do. The group cited examples of alleged personal threats, violence, theft of documents,
over charging, and blackmail. In one example, a group member alleged that the migration agent lied
on the paperwork that resulted in the individual being sent to detention.

Lack of Information
The immigrant detention group indicated that they were not provided with any information from the
government about services and support available. In many cases they were writing their own high
court, immigration and tribunal as they did not know who else to contact or where else to go.


39
3 APPENDIX A: THE DISCUSSION GUIDE
NOTE: START RECORDING AT OUTSET OF SESSION SO THAT AKNOWELDGMENT OF
RECORDING IS ON FILE

INTRO: Thanks for coming along to talk to us today. This session, and a number of
others like it, is part of a wider National Human Rights Consultation. We have been
talking to people around the country about what human rights are, what is important
about them, and how well they are protected in Australia. What wed like to talk to
you about today is mainly your own personal experiences of living in Australia, but
also what you have seen of the experiences of other people and groups.
Before we start though, can you just tell us what you have been told about today, and
what you are expecting it to be?
DONT NEED TO CAPTURE PRIMARILY FOR MODERATOR TO GET A SENSE OF GROUP
EXPECTATIONS.
Wed like to make sure that everyone gets a chance to tell us some of their
experiences today, but when you do, wed like to hear about them in quite some
detail.
Id like to make it absolutely clear that what you tell us today is totally confidential.
Our client doesnt know who is at the session today, and they never will that is one
of the reasons for using our company to do this work. We hope that you can tell us
openly and honestly what you think during the session today.
We will be recording what we talk about today these recordings are generally only
used by us to make sure we can get exactly what people say. Our client will very
occasionally want to listen to a recording, but they only do so without any information
about who is in the session, and if they somehow recognise a participant they are
required to stop listening immediately. No other organisation or people will be
allowed to listen to the recordings without us getting your permission first.
We have a series of questions that wed like to work through today. Wed like for you
to answer as many of them as possible, but if there are things you dont want to
share with us, please feel free not to, or to come and talk to us privately after the
session.

To start off the discussion.
1. In Australia at the moment, are there any groups of people who are missing out
when it comes to getting a fair go?
Who?
In what way?
How come?

1a. IF NECESSARY: Are we missing out on getting a fair go? PROBE IN DETAIL
Who?
In what way?
How come?

40

2. Are there any groups that need special assistance to actually get a fair go?
Who?
In what way?
How come?

3. What problems might we face in trying to get a fair go for ourselves?

4. Where do we go now if we feel that we are not getting a fair go?

5. What SHOULD we be able to do if we feel that we are not getting a fair go?

6. What is being done now to improve our lives?
What are we doing
What is the government doing
What are other people doing
What are other organisations or groups doing

Who IS helping us
How

7. Protecting Human Rights is one of the ways that everyone in Australia can get a
fair go. Where do we get information about human rights from?

8. How could the protection of our own human rights in Australia be improved?

9. What are the good things about Human Rights in Australia?
10. What are the bad things about Human Rights in Australia?

11. What other information would we want to have about human rights in Australia?

CLOSE


41
4

This document takes into account the particular instructions and
requirements of our Client. It is not intended for and should not
be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is
undertaken to any third party.

COLMAR BRUNTON SOCIAL RESEARCH
PO BOX 7007
YARRALUMLA ACT 2600
PH. (02) 6249 8566
FAX. (02) 6249 8588

ACN NO: 003 748 981
ABN NO: 22 003 748 981

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