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The Hon. Catherine Branson was appointed President of the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ on 7 August 2008 and commenced her five year term on 14 October 2008. On 12 July 2009 she additionally became the Human Rights Commissioner.

In order for us to realise the Commission’s vision of a society where human rights are for everyone, everywhere, every day, we have made building understanding and respect for human rights one of our two key policy priorities. We are seeking to lift the level of consciousness within the Australian community of the importance of human rights to the maintenance of our free, democratic,…

We all have a right to feel safe and respected. We all have a right to live our lives free from violence. Violence, harassment and bullying can violate these rights. They can also impact on other rights, such as the right to education and the right to health. Violence, harassment and bullying affect well-being and quality of life.

As a part of the government’s commitments under the Australian Human Rights Framework, there have been extensive consultations to discuss how the current anti-discrimination legislation can be consolidated into one piece of legislation.

On 25 June 2012, the Australian Parliament passed legislation to establish Australia’s first National ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ’s Commissioner. The Commissioner will be a member of the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ.

The Commission has been working closely with the Attorney-General’s Department on all aspects of the Framework. In particular, we have provided input into the development of a National Human Rights Action Plan, human rights education initiatives, improved human rights protections including greater parliamentary scrutiny, and consolidation of federal discrimination laws.

Over the last year, the Commission has confirmed its strategic focus for the next 3 years. A new Strategic Plan was introduced from 1 July 2011 for the period to 30 June 2014. The 4 strategic goals for the period focus on:

The Commission has a highly committed and experienced workforce. To ensure that staff have support to achieve a work life balance, we provide access to a wide range of flexible work options. These best practice strategies assist staff of all ages, with various disabilities and external responsibilities to work productively and safely.

We have developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and standards that form the basis for ongoing assessment of the complaint service. These indicators, and our performance in 2011-12 in relation to these indicators, are summarised below. In comparison with the last reporting year, the Service has seen a level of improvement across all KPIs.

*Full year budget, including any subsequent adjustment made to the 2011-12 Budget. 1. Appropriation Bill (No.1) 2011-12 and Appropriation Bill (No.3) 2011-12. This may also include Prior Year departmental appropriation and S.31 relevant agency receipts. 2. Includes an amount of $0.346m in 2011-12 for the Departmental Capital Budget. For accounting purposes this amount has been designated as &…

1. Section 32 transfer. 2. Departmental Appropriation combines “Ordinary annual services (Appropriation Bill No. 1)” and “Revenue from independent sources (s31)”.

Discover a summary guide on last resort measures.

Access the comprehensive media pack for the "Last Resort" report, including key resources.

This report covers my final year as the Race Discrimination Commissioner, a position I have occupied for five years alongside my position as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

This year marked the end of my nationwide Listening Tour and the beginning of what has been a busy but rewarding time in my term as Commissioner. I am delighted to report that it has been an exciting year for progressing gender and age equality in Australia. The Listening Tour played an important role in setting the agenda for my term. In deciding where the Commission should focus its efforts, I…

The International Labour Organization Convention 111 deals with discrimination in employment and occupation. Australian adherence to this Convention provides that all people have the right to equal treatment in employment and occupation without discrimination on the basis of:

Annual Report 2008 - 2009 Appendix 2: Commission publications released during 2008-09 Back to Contents General ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ Us: ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ brochure (updated 2009) ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ Annual Report 2007-08 (tabled report 2008) 2008 Human Rights Medals and Awards brochure (2008) Strategic Plan 2008-2011 (2008) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice…

The Commission frequently receives international visitors and participates in meetings with individuals and representatives of organisations concerned with human rights.