Equality and Government Accountability

We believe governments should practice transparency at all levels, to ensure they operate for the benefit of everyone they govern. Because transparency makes for stronger democratic institutions. We believe in an equitable and inclusive society. Our work examines how we can disrupt and dismantle systems of oppression and entrenched disadvantage to create more just systems and laws for every person.

  • The case for menstrual flexibility, so workplaces work for everyone

    Everyone should be able to participate fully in their job, regardless of their gender or ability.

    As part of that broader thinking, we’re written a report that considers the case for menstrual leave or flexibility in the workplace. We hope to overcome the taboo of menstruation and create a more safe, inclusive and productive society.

  • Safegauding workings rights in the gig economy

    Who is an 'employee’ is not subject to a statutory definition. It is instead governed by a complex an inconsistent set of common law principles. Consequently, the rise in non-standard forms of work, such as gig work and independent contracting, has resulted in workers, who should have access to basic minimum standards such as sick leave and the minimum wage, being left without important protections.e

  • The situation of human rights defenders in Australia

    Human rights defenders are people who stand up for human rights and hold power to account. Because of this work, they are often the targets of repression by state and corporate actors. When human rights defenders are restricted in what they can say and do, the flow on effects for our democracy are troubling.

  • Myki Fines and Confident Commuter

    After working with Julian Burnside QC’s Myki Flying Squad to fight unfair myki fines, we created mykifines.org.au.

    The website’s aim was to give commuters the information they need when caught without a valid ticket.

  • Safety in mixed mental health wards

    Eighteen percent of women in Australia have reported experiencing sexual violence. But, by some estimates, up to 45 percent of women in Victorian psychiatric wards have reported experiencing sexual assault, and 85 percent have reported feeling unsafe while receiving inpatient treatment.

  • A sexual assault counselling privilege for family law

    When a victim/survivor of sexual assault seeks counselling, their counselling records can be subpoenaed in family law proceedings, for example in a parenting dispute. The production of these counselling records to court may re-traumatise victim/survivors, and make them less likely to seek counselling treatment after a sexual offence.

  • Privacy in the modern world

    The right to privacy reflects the importance of human dignity, and underpins many other rights including freedom of association and expression. In the digital age though, our privacy is under constant threat.

  • Special Religious Instruction

    For a long time, religious groups were allowed to provide dogmatic religious instruction to primary school students in the public system. A sustained campaign by parents, educators and academics argued that this was not compatible with our secular values. We released a report which outlined how the special religious instruction program was contrary to human rights.