Social inclusion and human rights – strange bedfellows on the road to an authentically Australian inclusion agenda?

This paper explores the capacity to develop an authentically Australian concept of social inclusion by positing it within human rights. Noting the emerging prominence of social inclusion in public policy, and in light of the current debate about whether to adopt a federal Charter of Human Rights, it argues that a progressive approach will see a convergence of what are sometimes seen as separate constructs. Currently, despite its potential strength in recognising the multi-dimensional causes of marginalisation including systemic discrimination, contemporary discussions of social inclusion appear almost devoid of human rights content, to the detriment of both policy frameworks. The paper critically evaluates the progression from a needs based to rights based model, arguing that traditional conceptual barriers between anti-poverty theory and legalist constructions of human rights fail our most marginalised communities. Using examples from the disability and culturally diverse communities, the paper explores whether social inclusion can be made more robust if linked to a human rights framework, so that those currently on the margins are able to participate as fully valued, respected and contributing members of society