A Brief History

The organisation was begun in 2007 by Henrietta Zeffert as a print publication. The pilot issue, launched in March 2007, included articles by Julian Burnside, the Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser and Tony Birch. Since then, the magazine has featured contributions ranging from university students to academics, from community legal workers to barristers. The magazine has also featured artwork by artists such as Clifford Charles, Jon Cattapan and Viv Mehes.

Over 1800 copies of Right Now Magazine are distributed free to the public each issue. The magazine can be found in every university library in Australia; state and federal courts in Victoria; NGOs, community legal centres, law firms and Government sectors Australia-wide.

Right Now Radio commenced broadcasting on Melbourne’s 3CR radio station in September 2008. Right Now Radio gives voice to human rights across the community, making human rights accessible to a diverse audience.

The show has played an important role during Australia’s National Human Rights Consultation from late 2008 to mid 2009 by providing practical information to listeners about the Consultation and discussing the different ideas and views surrounding charters and bills of rights. Right Now Radio is now available as a Podcast on 3CR’s website, making it available to a wide range of people.

Although a website was launched to complement the magazine in 2007, Right Now is currently working to redesign its website to become an online human rights portal. This is part of Right Now’s commitment to providing equitable access to information, and is an exciting new project for the team.