Freedom of Association

The Issue: 

The freedom of association refers to the human right to form and join associations for the pursuit and promotion of common goals. It is a fundamental right and is an essential component of democracy.

Why it needs to be addressed:

It is a fundamental right, pursuant to Article 22 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Australia ratified in 1980.

This right extends to all forms of association with others, including but not only political purposes. The freedom to join trade unions is simply an example of freedom of association. This is an essential component of democracy because it empowers people, including prisoners, to express their political opinions, form and join unions such as the APU, and have their interests represented on the political stage.