News
Rights and Freedoms
Freedoms versus anti-discrimination laws? A false debate
Responsibility, anti-discrimination laws, human rights and freedoms - these words have been at the center of an ideological debate about how to protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom from detention without trial. But if we are serious about...
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Australia, Human Rights, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
A comment on the current human rights issues faced by Australia in the processing of refugees and asylum seekers
Commission – General
President Speech: Mandatory immigration detention of children in Australia: how far have we come and where to from here? (2010)
I knew Brad well and admired him a great deal. We met when he joined the Crown Solicitor’s Office and we worked closely together in that office for a number of years. He was appointed Crown Solicitor of South Australia when I left that position to practice at the private Bar. He was subsequently appointed Solicitor-General of South Australia, the office from which, I believe, he made his greatest contribution to Australian public law.
Rights and Freedoms
Stand on your rights, or see them trampled (2009)
Australia is a great country to live in — for most of us most of the time. We don’t suffer the terrible poverty witnessed in some parts of the world, our judicial system works well by international standards and most of us can vote in elections by secret ballot. Most of us can live pretty safely, say what we like most of the time and, if we are so inclined, practise our faith in peace. Most of us have access to decent education and health services.
Rights and Freedoms
Bill of rights is essential to best serve human rights (2008)
Five years ago I began my term as the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, confident in the ability of the common law and a robust democracy to protect human rights. I leave convinced we need a major legal and cultural overhaul in order to deal with the human rights challenges of the 21st century.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Moving forward - from 'practical reconciliation' to social justice
Moving forward - from 'practical reconciliation' to social justice Speech by Dr William Jonas AM, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Moving Forward: Achieving reparations for the stolen generations University of New South...
If you feel uncomfortable, or like something is wrong, it’s really important you get help. Something not feeling right could mean that a person or an organisation isn’t playing by the rules when it comes to your rights. Let’s step through who you can turn to when children’s rights aren’t being respected.
I need help right now
If you feel unsafe or like something bad is happening to you right now, there are people who can help you straight away.
- Call 000 to get help from the police, an ambulance or fire brigade.
- Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or use their webchat to speak to someone who will listen to your worries, and give you options for support.
- Tell an adult you can trust.
Know your rights
The first step in figuring out whether your rights have been disrespected is to know what they are in the first place. As a child in Australia, you have lots of rights. Like:
- the right to be treated fairly
- the right to have a say about decisions affecting you
- the right to live and grow up healthy
- the right to be safe no matter where you are
- the right to get an education
- the right to play and have fun!
If you want to find out more about your rights, we’ve got a page just for that.
Reach out to an adult you can trust
A good place to start if you feel like something is wrong is to speak to an adult you can trust - someone who will listen, believe and help you.
The first person you talk to may not be the right person so it’s okay to keep telling other safe people in your life until you have been heard, believed, and someone helps you.
Get help from a service you can trust
There are places in the community you can get help from if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to an adult you know. The best place to turn to depends on if:
- you’re worried about yourself or another young person you know.
- or you’re worried about all children in Australia.
I’m worried about myself or another child I know
You can chat to these services for free, and what you say is private. You don’t even have to tell them your name if you don’t want to.
You can talk to them about anything—no matter how big or small it seems.
- Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800, or use their webchat.
- Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text them on 0477 13 11 14, or chat to them online.
- Headspace: Call 1800 650 890.
Make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission
You can make a complaint to us for different reasons. For example, if you think:
- you have been treated unfairly because of your age, race, disability or sex.
- other rights, like your right to be heard or be safe, have been ignored.
We can investigate and try to help solve it. Making a complaint is free and open to anyone anywhere in Australia. Find out more about how to make a complaint.
Rights and Freedoms
Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby: Graeme Innes AM (2007)
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you tonight. It's almost 18 months since we launched the Same-Sex: Same Entitlements National Inquiry. In that time, we have travelled around Australia to hear, first hand, about the impact of discriminatory laws on same-sex couples, and their children. We received 680 written submissions from across Australia and met with more than 500 people. The Inquiry put federal laws under the human rights microscope.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Site navigation
The story in my hand is the saddest of all stories. It is the story of children taken from their mothers and fathers and families. It is the story of mothers and fathers and families who lost the most precious thing in their lives. Their children.
Meet Anne Hollonds,
Australia's National Children's Commissioner.
Her job is to stand up for your rights, and make sure your voices are heard.
What is your job?
My job is to stand up for the human rights of Australia’s children and young people, and to make sure that they get the help they need to be safe and well.
All children should have enough to eat, public transport, good health care, including for mental health, and a safe neighbourhood. They should be able to feel they belong and are supported in their family, their community and at school. They need time and space to enjoy activities like sport and music, and to play.
What do you do for children and young people?
I want to make sure children and young people have a voice in the issues that affect them.
I listen to find out what matters most to them and what their hopes and problems are. Then I tell the government and other decision-makers what children have said, so that laws and policies better protect their rights.
I also talk to community about children's rights in the media and in speeches, and I do research and write submissions to government. And I keep a close eye on children who need extra help, like children in detention or in out-of-home care.
What is the one thing you hear most often from children about their rights?
Children tell me they want their voices to be heard and their views taken seriously. I also hear that having a supportive family and school is really important for their wellbeing.
What do you love about your job?
The best part of my job is talking to children and young people from across Australia to hear their stories and ideas. I am often surprised by what they say. Hearing directly from children is important so I can tell governments what they need.
If you could do one thing for children in Australia, what would it be?
I would ask the Australian Government to make child safety and wellbeing a priority for National Cabinet and appoint a Minister for Children.
What do you like to do when you’re not working for children’s rights?
I love swimming and going to the beach with my family, watching Netflix, listening to music and hanging out with friends.
Rights and Freedoms
Human rights issues for young refugees and asylum seekers
The globalisation of the world economy, including much improved communication and transportation, has increased flows of people across borders. This includes the movement of children, both with their family and unaccompanied. Separated children crossing borders may be refugees, humanitarian asylum seekers, trafficked girls who will be forced to work as prostitutes, or simply children lost in the aftermath of war. So today, children can literally travel across the world undetected and unprotected. And Australia, as part of this global system, has its share of these children.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Site navigation
I would like to acknowledge the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting, and to honour their children. I thank them for the welcome they have extended to delegates of this conference.
Legal
Law Seminar 2007: The Northern Territory National Emergency Response Legislation by Dr Sarah Pritchard
1. That Aboriginal child sexual abuse in the Northern Territory be designated as an issue of urgent national significance by both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments, and both governments immediately establish a collaborative partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding to specifically address the protection of Aboriginal children from sexual abuse. It is critical that both governments commit to genuine consultation with Aboriginal people in designing initiatives for Aboriginal communities.” (emphasis added)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Site navigation
We are here to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Bringing them home – the Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.
Pagination
Media centre
Visit our media centre for up to date contact details for all media enquiries.