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2008-09 has been a year of positive developments in the human rights area. While many human rights challenges lie ahead, as Human Rights Commissioner, I have been excited by the progress that Australia has made in human rights, both domestically and internationally during the year.

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.

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)”.

Under section 46C(1)(a) of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth), the Social Justice Commissioner is required annually to submit a report to the Attorney-General on the exercise and enjoyment of human rights by Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders (the Social Justice Report).

Susan Halliday has been the acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner since 1999. This is in addition to her duties as the Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

The experience of people in rural and remote Australia has always featured prominently in the Commission's work. During the reporting year the Commission undertook two major projects addressing the human rights of children and young people in rural and remote Australia.