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Learn about the 1999-2000 annual report and its appendices.

The Commission during 1999-2000 used a range of consultancy services where there was, for example, a need for rapid access to latest technology and experience in its application; limitations on executive time; lack of in-house resources; the need for independent study; or a need for a change agent or facilitator.

*When complaints under the Racial, Sex & Disability Discrimination Acts are terminated, the complainant may apply to have the allegations heard and determined by the Federal Court.

The Commission implemented a Performance Management Scheme for all staff from 1 July 1999. The scheme is intended to strengthen and support the Commission in performing its functions by providing regular and formal assessment of employees' work performance and to provide employees with skill development and career advancement opportunities. A review of the Commission's Performance Management…

The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee met at least four times during the year. The Committee includes a staff health and safety representative and at least four corporate support staff. The Committee surveyed staff on their awareness of OH&S issues and as a result was then able to hold relevant training sessions on specific OH&S issues for staff and supervisors. The…

The Commission's Workplace Diversity Plan was finalised in September 1999. The Commission recognises that diversity in its staff is one of its greatest strengths and assets and is committed to ensuring that its Workplace Diversity Plan achieves its objectives and is congruent with the external approach promoted by the Commission. All staff were provided with the opportunity to contribute to the…

Staff in the Commission are employed under section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999. The new Public Service Act was introduced in December 1999 and gives responsibility for employment decisions to Agency Heads. With changes made to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act in December 1999 the President assumed Agency Head status under the Public Service Act. Employment policies have been…

Back to 1999 - 2000 Annual Report Contents Annual Report 1999 - 2000 Staffing overview An overview of the Commission's staffing profile as at 30 June 2000 is summarised in the following tables. Staffing overview as at 30 June 2000 is summarized in the following tables. Classification Male Female Full time Part time Total Ongoing Total Non-Onging Statutory Office Holder 3 2 4 1 5 SES Band 2 1…

The report is provided in accordance with section 46C of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986, which provides that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner is to submit a report regarding the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders, and including recommendations as to the action that should be…

In submitting this report I am required to make any recommendations as to actions that should be taken by governments to improve the recognition of the human rights of Indigenous people.[1] This year’s report contains 12 recommendations, which are reproduced here and discussed further in the relevant chapters.

Social Justice Report 2001 back to contents Chapter 1: Ten years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Ten years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Ten years on from the Royal Commission - how far have we progressed? Rates of Indigenous over-representation and deaths in custody

Social Justice Report 2001 back to contents Chapter 2: Mutual obligation, welfare reform and Indigenous participation: a human rights perspective Mutual obligation, welfare reform and Indigenous participation: a human rights perspective Mutual obligation and welfare reform Mutual obligation – some general concerns Coercion and conditionality Penalties for breaching Mutual obligation and…

Social Justice Report 2001 back to contents Chapter 3: Indigenous governance and community capacity-building Introduction Governance and capacity-building – addressing Indigenous economic marginalisation Current initiatives for building Indigenous capacity and governance Case studies of governance and capacity building initiatives The Mutitjulu Community Participation and Partnership…

Social Justice Report 2001 back to contents Chapter 4: Laws mandating minimum terms of imprisonment (‘mandatory sentencing’) and Indigenous people Introduction Overview of minimum mandatory imprisonment laws The Northern Territory laws The Western Australian laws Distinguishing minimum mandatory imprisonment laws from other mandatory sentencing provisions Recent developments in mandatory…

Social Justice Report 2001 back to contents Chapter 5: Juvenile diversionary schemes and Indigenous people Introduction Diversion and restorative justice Human rights principles for juvenile diversion Juvenile diversion schemes in the Northern Territory and Western Australia Ju venile diversion in the Northern Territory Pre-court diversionary options for juveniles in the NT Forms of…

In its final recommendations, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation proposed that there be a legislative requirement for the Social Justice Commissioner to monitor progress towards reconciliation on an annual basis. In the Social Justice Report 2000 it was noted that while legislative amendment to this end was desirable, this task could be undertaken under my existing functions. Accordingly,…

The past year has been one of great contrasts. On the one hand, we have experienced the apparent harmony and healing of the walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and similar walks in other states and on the other hand, the national outpourings of grief and anger at the death of a 15-year-old boy in custody in Don Dale Detention Centre in Darwin in February.

Social Justice Report 2000 back to contents Chapter 3: International scrutiny of Australia's Indigenous Affairs policies Introduction The CERD and the periodic reporting process Australia's appearance before the Committee on the Elmination of Racial Discriminaiton in March 2000 The dialogue between Australia and CERD - March 2000 The meaning of non-discrimination and equality under the…

Social Justice Report 2000 back to contents Chapter 4: Achieving meaningful reconciliation Introduction Reconciliation within a human rights framework Indigenous disadvantage and progressive realisation An equality approach to overcoming Indigenous disadvantage Developing a national benchmarking framework and monitoring and evaluating progress Processes to implement a national committment to…

Social Justice Report 2000 back to contents Chapter 5: Reparations Introduction Reparations and forcible removal policies Reparations in international law: the van Boven principles and international treaties Reparations in Australia: the Federal government's response An apology Compensation Litigation International comparisons Canada i) Gathering strength - responding to the Royal Commission…