Submission FAQ

Submissions will open shortly. Please register your interest here so that we can notify you when this occurs and keep checking the website and our social media for further information.

What is the closing date for submissions?

Submissions close on (to be determined)

If you would like to contact us about an extension of time, please email wiyiyaniuthangani@humanrights.gov.au.

Do I have to be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman or girl to make a submission?

No. While we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls to engage in this national consultation process, the submission process is open to anyone who would like to share their views about the challenges and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls. This includes those who support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls such as family members, friends and organisations.

In what ways can I participate and/or provide information to this project?

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman or girl (12yrs+) or someone who supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls, we would like to hear from you.

In person

The Australian Human Rights Commission will be holding community consultations around the country, please go here to see the latest dates and locations.

By phone

You can call the women and girls project team at the Australian Human Rights Commission to make a submission. Please call on xxx to speak with us directly.

Make a written submission

You can provide information via a written submission to us. Please go here to the submissions page where you can download the submission form or complete the online submission form. You can also email submissions to: [xx@humanrights.gov.au]

Make a video submission

What will my submission be used for?

Information collected throughout this project may be used for the purposes of understanding challenges and highlighting the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.

The Australian Human Rights Commission will publish and table a report in the Australian Parliament in 2019 on such matters identified throughout the national consultations and from submissions collected.

By providing information to this project, you agree that we may use de-identified extracts of your information. Nothing that we use from information you provide will allow you to be identified. We will not publish your name, email address or other identifying details.

Can I support someone else to make a submission?

Yes, we are more than happy for individuals or organisations to provide support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and girls to make a submission.

Can I make a submission if it is not my personal experience, but something I witnessed or heard of happening to another person (for example a friend or a family member)?

Yes, you can.

Can I obtain a copy of my submission after I have submitted it?

Yes, if you would like a copy of your submission, please email us at [xx@humanrights.gov.au].

Why do you need my name and email address?

The submissions form asks for your name and email address in case we need to contact you about your submission. We will not publish this information or provide it to anyone.

Circumstances in which we would contact you regarding your submission include:
• To provide you with information about support services available to you; and
• To notify you of the publication of our report.

We also collect this information so that, if at any point you would like to withdraw or obtain a copy of your submission, we can withdraw it/provide it to you. You are welcome to use an alias name if you prefer but you must remember what alias name you used.

What support is available to me if I become distressed during or after making a submission?

Making a submission about a traumatic experience can be distressing. If you decide to speak to us or make a submission but find that either during or after providing your information, that relaying the traumatic experience(s) is causing you distress, you can access counselling support through:

• 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) 24/7 national sexual assault and domestic and family violence counselling service
• The Healing Foundation
• National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
• National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service Forum (NATSILS)
• Your local Aboriginal Legal Service
• Your local Aboriginal Medical Service

A more comprehensive list of these services is available

If you want any further information concerning this project or if you have any issues which may be related to your involvement in the project, you can contact the Commission by email: xx@humanrights.gov.au or phone: xx.