Briefing Note: Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022

On Wednesday 27 July 2022, the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus MP, introduced to Parliament the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022. The Bill proposes amendments to address concerns about the rigour of the selection and appointment process of Commissioners.

This background Briefing Note emphasises the importance of the Bill for the Commission’s institutional independence, legitimacy and international credibility. In particular, it details the international accreditation issues that have arisen due to the deficiencies in the existing legislative model for appointments of Commissioners and the urgent need for Parliament to address them.