The federal government’s decision to ban under-16s from social media just as they’re about to start the long summer holidays, and only a couple of weeks before Christmas, is cruel. And the significant harm that this ban will cause will be disproportionally felt by already marginalised, vulnerable youth, including LGBTIQA+ young people.

Two teenagers are taking the federal government to the High Court. They argue the ban on social media accounts for under-16s is unconstitutional because it interferes with free political communication. The ban is due to take effect on December 10. Will the High Court challenge make any difference?

Australia’s human rights record will be scrutinised at the United Nations Human Rights Council in January 2026 in a process known as the Universal Periodic Review. voluntary commitments to improve human rights as part of the review and respond to the recommendations. So how are we doing on human rights?

This is the second in our series of blogs from the 2025 Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference. George Newhouse spoke in a session on understanding human rights law in the coronial jurisdiction.

This is the first in our series of blogs from the 2025 Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference. Professor Paula Gerber chaired a session on challenges in securing the rights of trans and gender diverse people.