Constitutions, Charters and Statutes

Constitutions, Charters and Statutes

Constitutions, charters, and statutes encompasses foundational legal documents that establish the human rights frameworks for governments and organisations. Together, these documents form the basis for governance, outlining rules, rights, and responsibilities in a society or organisation.

Australia's Human Rights Framework Resources

Researchers from the Castan Centre have compiled resources and analysis to help the public stay informed on the debate on reforms to Australia's Human Rights Framework and a Federal Human Rights Act.

View resources

Charting the Impact of Academic Research on Australian Court Proceedings

Charting the Impact of Academic Research on Australian Court Proceedings

Join the Deakin Centre for Law as Protection and the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law for a timely and thought-provoking event exploring the growing influence of academic research in Australian court proceedings.
16 June, 2026

Welcome to new Castan Centre Academic Members

We are excited to welcome a group of outstanding new academics whose expertise will enrich the Castan Centre’s research, teaching, and public engagement across a diverse range of human rights and social justice issues.
3 June, 2026
The Law and Politics of Migration in Australia

Call for Abstracts: The Law and Politics of Migration in Australia

Monash Arts and Monash Law invites proposals for the 2026 Law and Politics of Migration in Australia conference.
18 May, 2026
Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter

Keynote announced: Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter

The Castan Centre is honoured to welcome Commissioner Sue‑Anne Hunter as keynote speaker for the 2026 Castan Centre Conference.
17 May, 2026
Carlos H. Conde and Sara Kowal in conversation on stage.

Defending Dignity: Human Rights, Justice, and the Case Against Duterte

Attendees joined an in-depth discussion with human rights advocate Carlos H. Conde, presented by Human Rights Watch, Eleos Justice, and the Castan Centre.
24 June, 2025
A headshot of each of the eight new members is featured here.

Welcome to new Castan Centre Academic Members

The Castan Centre appoints eight new academic members from Monash Law.
12 June, 2025
Photo of Julie Debeljak on a pink background.

Appointment of new Castan Centre Deputy Director

The Castan Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Julie Debeljak as its incoming Deputy Director.
28 May, 2025

Human rights expert Professor Paula Gerber explains why lowering the voting age is a “good idea”

The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Academic Member Professor Paula Gerber was featured on 3AW Drive.
9 January, 2025

OPCAT: How an international treaty regarding torture is relevant to the Australian mental health system

Castan Centre Director Professor Melissa Castan has published an open access article on the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and the Australian mental health system with interdisciplinary colleagues from across Australia.
1 February, 2024

Research Group Convenor

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Research Group Members

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Freedom Forum

This forum looked at what freedom means in Australia in 2013, how it can be better protected and whether existing laws really do limit our freedoms.

The High Court's Views on the Constitutionality and Operation of the Victorian Charter

In Momcilovic v R (2011), the High Court of Australia handed down a landmark decision on the operation of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities within the broader context of the Commonwealth Constitution.

Victorian State Election 2010 Human Rights Forum

Representatives of the Liberal Party and the Greens answered questions from Damien Carrick about their parties' policies that impact on human rights.