This paper discusses challenging and disconnected dialogue in Australia around human rights and how this dialogue intersects with public policy paradigms.

As we begin a national consultation about whether or not we should finally catch up with other western democracies and accept the notion of legally enforceable fundamental human rights, it is important to understand what existing policy paradigms are being used to deal with fairness, equity and social change.

This paper was presented at the Centre for Public Policy's 'Values & Public Policy' conference in February 2009.

Dr Helen Szoke is the Chief Executive Officer Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.