Today, on Human Rights Day, mental health consumer peaks from across the country have issued a joint statement alongside the release of Australia’s first National Mental Health Human Rights Report led entirely by people with lived experience – and the findings are deeply alarming.
The report shows that human rights breaches are happening every day across Australia.
Here are some of people’s experiences:
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9 in 10 heard discriminatory or harmful comments
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1 in 2 avoided mental health care because they feared coercion
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More than 1 in 4 agreed to treatment only to avoid being forced
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Half of people in inpatient units weren’t told their rights
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Two-thirds couldn’t access an advocate
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Only 1 in 10 could see a bulk-billed psychiatrist
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1 in 13 experienced unstable housing or homelessness
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2 in 5 couldn’t find work because of discrimination
These are human rights violations — not misunderstandings, not one-offs. They are built into the system.
This is why BEING – together with The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and the other state mental health consumer peaks from across the country – are calling for a National Human Rights Act to finally give people enforceable rights to safety, dignity, equality, and justice.
HOW YOU CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
1. Fill in the Human Rights Survey for 2025
Your voice builds the evidence for national reform.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AllianceHR2025
2. Support a National Human Rights Act
Add your name to the Human Rights Law Centre’s campaign.
https://www.humanrightsact.org.au/sign-up
3. Read and share the 2024 Human Rights Report
Help amplify the truth.
National Mental Health Consumer Alliance | Our Advocacy
4. Join the Alliance mailing list
Stay connected to updates, advocacy and opportunities to contribute.
https://bit.ly/44itWyt