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About us

We promote and protect human rights for all people in Australia and help to resolve complaints about discrimination.

What we do

We work to promote and protect human rights in Australia.

Our vision is an Australian society where human rights are respected, promoted and protected. Where every person is equal in dignity and rights.

When human rights are respected, our lives are better, and our communities are stronger, healthier, safer and more prosperous.

President of the Commission, Hugh de Kretser

Our people

Learn about our team of accomplished leaders that together, shape the Commission’s strategic direction and ensure its work reflects the values of fairness, inclusion, and respect.

Our people

40 Years of the Commission

The Commission is celebrating 40 years of promoting and protecting human rights in Australia. Everyone across the country is invited to get involved with our commemorative program and engage with how human rights advocacy delivers safety, equality and justice for people in Australia.

More about the 40 years program
40 Years of the Commission

How do we promote and protect human rights?

Everyone has the right to be safe, live with dignity and be free from discrimination. The Commission helps people know their rights and the rights of others so they can uphold them.

We also support the government, businesses, and community groups in respecting and upholding these rights.

Key functions

The Commission’s key functions include:

Access to justice

We help people to resolve complaints of discrimination and human rights breaches.

More about complaints.

Fairer laws, policies and practices

We review existing and proposed laws, policies and practices and provide expert advice on how they can better protect people’s human rights. We help organisations to protect human rights in their work.

We publish reports on human rights problems and how to fix them.

Education and understanding

We promote understanding, acceptance and public discussion of human rights. We deliver workplace and community human rights education and training.

More about human rights education.

Compliance

We are the regulator for positive duty laws requiring employers and others to address sexual harassment, sex discrimination and other unlawful conduct..

More about positive duty.

More about the Commission

Media centre

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and views about the work we undertake and the issues on which we focus.

Stay informed

Stay informed, get involved, and be the first to access resources, campaigns, and updates that support equality and justice for all.

Contact us

We're here to help. Find out how you can get in touch with the Commission.

Responsibilities and functions

The Commission has statutory responsibilities under the following federal anti-discrimination and human rights laws. These laws set out the Commission’s major functions and powers 

Responsibilities and functions of the Commission

Jobs and your career with the Australian Human Rights Commission

Working at the Commission means being part of a purpose-driven team that’s shaping a fairer, more inclusive Australia. You’ll collaborate with passionate experts, contribute to meaningful change, and help protect the rights and dignity of all people.

Jobs at the Commission

Have a question about discrimination or sexual harassment? Want to know more about human rights? Contact us if you need help.

Contact us
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