ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ

THE ROLE THAT ABORIGINAL customary law has, or should have, in the criminal codes and sentencing acts of the Commonwealth, states and territories has been the subject of detailed consideration for some time.1

The Hon Michael McHugh AC, QC, distinguished jurist and former Justice of the High Court of Australia, presented his views on human rights in Australia and their protection through a Human Rights Act.

On 11 December 2008, the Commission presented the fifth of its seminar series celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, entitled ‘Human Rights, Equality and Fundamental Freedoms: What Difference does a Human Rights Act Make?’. The seminar was chaired by Graeme Innes AM, Human Rights Commissioner and Disability Discrimination Commissioner and featured two…

back to Universal Declaration of Human Rights Anniversary pages Celebrating the 60 th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights Seminar Series To celebrate the 60 th Anniversary, the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ has put together a seminar series exploring various aspects of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Previous Seminars What Difference does a Human Rights…

Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma, announced today that the closing date to submit stories to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s 'Voices of Australia' project has been extended to Monday, 15 August 2005.

 To mark the 30 th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA), the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is putting together ‘Voices of Australia ’ – a magazine and audio CD of real-life stories about diversity and living together in contemporary Australia.

Social Justice Report 2004 Media Pack back to contents Media Releases Launch Speech by Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Launch of the ATSIC Yilli Rreung Regional Council's Strategic Plan and the Social Justice Report 2004 and Native Title Report 2004, Darwin, 27 April 2005 Media Release : Social Justice Commissioner puts government on notice…

We have statutory responsibilities under these laws, including to investigate and conciliate complaints of alleged discrimination and breaches of human rights recognised under international conventions to which Australia is a party and to promote and protect these human rights generally.

Gives effect to Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and certain aspects of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 156.

During 2011-12, we provided information about the law and the complaint process to 17,047 enquirers. We received 2610 complaints alleging discrimination and violations of human rights and we finalised 2605 complaints. We conciliated 48% of finalised complaints, which means that we assisted over 2500 people and organisations involved in complaints to successfully resolve their dispute.

By the time that this annual report is published, Professor Gillian Triggs will have succeeded me as President of the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ. I wish her well in her new role and trust that she will gain the enjoyment and satisfaction from leading the work of the Commission that I have done.

Looking back over the last 12 months, I can genuinely say that we’ve moved closer to these objectives. But we must move closer still in our efforts to see this agenda of hope realised.

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.