EVENT: Clean air and right to healthy environment

6 July 2026

What does the ACT's new right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment mean for Canberrans?

Join us for an informative livecast on Tuesday 28 July, 6–7.30pm, exploring outdoor air quality and the right to a healthy environment in the ACT. The livecast features ACT Human Rights Commission President Dr Pene Mathew and includes time for audience questions.

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.

The livecast will explore what the new right means for Canberrans and how ACT laws impact outdoor air quality. We will explore air quality monitoring, home wood heaters, and transport emissions.

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.

Whether you're interested in human rights, environmental protection or clean air in the ACT, this is an opportunity to learn more and have your questions answered. Register to send us a question.

Register https://actgov.webex.com/weblink/register/r0e7880c5ecc5edc34013c17b37410df8

More info: humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au

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