Where can I find out which international human rights treaties Australia is part of?

Australia has signed and ratified many international conventions, declarations and treaties on human rights. You can find the full list of treaties Australia has signed in the Australian Treaties Database (search by subject). The Australian Human Rights Commission oversees Australia’s responsibilities under some of these agreements and has a role in monitoring, reporting and educating the public about human rights.

When a treaty is signed, it does not automatically become Australian law. The Australian Government negotiates and signs treaties but only the Australian Parliament can make laws. Sometimes, new laws aren’t required for Australia to meet its obligations under a treaty; existing laws will ensure Australia meets its treaty obligations. If new laws are required, bills – proposed laws – will be introduced and passed by Parliament before the treaty will come into force.