Human Rights Under Pressure: Work, Community and Why These Matter More Than Ever

Are human rights still relevant in today’s world? At a time of conflict and global uncertainty, when international norms and the world order are increasingly tested, this lecture asks what role human rights continue to play in Australia and why they matter now more than ever.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Work, Community and Why These Matter More Than Ever explores how human rights shape not only our legal and policy frameworks, but the everyday experiences of individuals across workplaces, communities, and public life. Natasha will examine the effectiveness of Australia’s human rights system, with a particular focus on the employment context as a critical site where rights are exercised, challenged, and, at times, undermined.

The lecture will consider contemporary pressures on these protections, including changing social norms, economic uncertainty, and the evolving nature of work. It will also explore what more needs to be done to ensure all individuals are protected from discrimination and able to participate fully and fairly in working life. Importantly, the discussion extends beyond the workplace to consider the role of human rights in fostering inclusive, respectful, and cohesive communities. It highlights the shared responsibility of individuals, leaders, and institutions to uphold dignity, equity, and fairness across all aspects of society.

In doing so, the lecture argues that a renewed commitment to human rights, grounded in compassion, informed by evidence and enacted in everyday practice, is essential to building a just, resilient and inclusive future.

ABOUT THIS LECTURE

The Dame Marie Bashir Memorial Lecture honours the extraordinary legacy of Dame Marie Bashir, a lifelong champion of education, inclusion and community wellbeing.

A valued supporter of WEA Sydney, and a former student, Dame Marie shared a deep and enduring connection with our mission of lifelong learning, social inclusion and civic engagement. We are honoured to present this annual lecture with the support and permission of her family. This lecture series reflects the values she so powerfully embodied. Each year, it will explore themes central to her life's work, including education as a force for social good, human rights and social inclusion, community leadership, and mental health and wellbeing.

Through this event, we aim to foster the kind of compassionate, thoughtful and evidence-informed public discourse that Dame Marie exemplified, while celebrating the enduring impact of her contribution to Australian society.