Commission welcomes Australian first, as ACT passes right to healthy environment

29 August 2024

Canberrans now have the right to enjoy a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, after amendments to the ACT Human Rights Act passed yesterday.

The new right to a healthy environment is an Australian first.

“We are pleased that the ACT is leading the nation on this front as the first Australian jurisdiction to recognise a standalone human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment,” said Acting ACT Human Rights Commission President, Jodie Griffiths-Cook.

“The right to a healthy environment recognises the connection between a healthy environment and enjoying our other, fundamental human rights.

“While the right to a healthy environment can’t address climate change and environmental harms on its own, it is an excellent first step, and one we have been looking forward to for years.

“We hope too that recognising the right to a healthy environment within our human rights framework in the ACT will bring environmental considerations to the forefront of government decision-making.

“Incorporating the right to a healthy environment within the ACT’s human rights framework means that public servants and government agencies will need to consider environmental impacts as a routine part of developing programs, policies and laws.

“The right to a healthy environment has special significance of course for children and young people, who will continue to grapple with climate change in the coming decades.

“We trust the views and hopes of children and young people will be considered as the ACT begins implementing the right to a healthy environment.

“While the Commission doesn’t speak for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we recognise their unique and long-standing relationships to Country, and the lands, waters and natural resources with which they have traditional connections.

“The ACT government will now be obliged to ensure timely and effective participation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on matters that affect Country,” Ms Griffiths-Cook said.

Canberrans will be able to complain to the Commission about breaches of the right to a healthy environment, under the new human rights complaints pathway, which came into effect in June 2024.

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