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Human rights are standards that governments around the world have agreed to meet so that everyone can live a safe, free and dignified life. Human rights belong to all of us, no matter who we are or where we are. They are the key to living well. Human rights are about being treated fairly, treating others fairly and being able to choose how we live our lives.  

Human rights reflect values like equality, freedom, respect, dignity, kindness, thinking of others and looking out for each other. Human rights are Australian values. 

Since 1986, the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ has been protecting the rights of all people in Australia. Our vision is an Australian society where human rights are respected, promoted and protected and every person is free and equal in dignity and rights. 

The Commission has outlined proposed reforms to better protect people’s rights in Australia through our Free and Equal project and our National Anti-Racism Framework. Key proposals from Free and Equal include establishing an Australian Human Rights Act, improving our national anti-discrimination laws and developing a national human rights education action plan. 

The Commission turns 40 next year. It will be a good opportunity to celebrate nationally significant successes and impact like our Bringing Them Home and Respect@Work reports. It will be a chance to recognise the work of our investigation and conciliation teams who have helped thousands of people to access justice after experiencing discrimination. 

As the Accountable Authority of the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ, I am pleased to present our 2025–26 Corporate Plan. This plan covers the four-year period to 2028–29, as required under section 35(1) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth). It identifies the strategic and operating framework in which the Commission operates and the actions we will take to achieve our purpose.

Hugh de Kretser 

President