29 July 2026
What does the ACT's new right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment mean for Canberrans?
In a recent livecast, our experts explored outdoor air quality and the right to a healthy environment in the ACT.
The livecast speakers were ACT Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Pene Mathew, Prof Sotiris Vardoulakis, Director HEAL National Research Network, University of Canberra and Dr Sharon Campbell from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania.
The ACT has recognised the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment since March 2025. The right reflects the close connection between the environment and human rights, and how a healthy environment is critical to our lives.
Livecast speakers discussed the new right, how ACT laws impact outdoor air quality, air quality monitoring, home wood heaters and transport emissions.
The Commission is currently conducting a review of the right to a healthy environment. A clean and sustainable environment is closely linked to a range of human rights, including the rights to life, equality, security, privacy and culture. In turn, rights such as freedom of expression and participation help people advocate for environmental protection and sustainability.
The right builds on the United Nations General Assembly's 2022 recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in response to the crises of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.
More info: righttoahealthyenvironment@act.gov.au