Culture & diversity
The Commission knows that a diverse workforce and a positive workplace culture are key elements to any effective organisation. We are passionate about what we do and that passion energises our culture.
The Commission empowers people to engage in meaningful activity on human rights and to make the connection between what human rights are and how they apply to everyday life in Australia.
Statement on the Gender Pay Gap at the Australian Human Rights Commission
The Australian Human Rights Commission is committed to gender equality and transparency in our workplace. This statement responds to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) gender pay gap data for our organisation. It provides context to help interpret the figures and sets out the actions we are taking to reduce our gender pay gap.
Health and Safety
The Commission is committed to the active promotion of health and wellbeing for all staff and supports a range of health focussed initiatives aimed at improving the level of awareness and understanding of these issues amongst our staff.
The Commission has a relatively ‘low risk’ environment and resources are committed to proactive, preventative activities to maintain awareness and engagement. The most recent survey indicated that there is a high level of awareness of relevant WHS resources in the Commission and a high level of comfort in reporting WHS issues or concerns.
- Employees are encouraged to undertake healthy lifestyle activities for improved health outcomes and work life balance and a per annum allowance is available per staff member for this purpose.
- The Commission provides a free and confidential employee assistance program (EAP).
- The Commission is committed to developing a regular program of health and well-being sessions delivered in-house by reputable and credible providers based on staff identified interest areas such as dementia awareness, fitness and nutrition, stress management techniques.
Listening & Acting at the Commission
The Commission cultivates a strong culture by listening to its employees and providing opportunities for feedback
- Staff are encouraged to complete the APS employee census every year (see the results from the 2024 survey below)
- Staff are encouraged to undertake corporate responsibility roles such as First Aid, Fire wardens etc.
- Q and A sessions with the Commissioners
- Staff actively participate in the annual planning and strategic planning processes
- Lunchtime learning sessions
- Internal focus groups and cross-Commission activities
Our staff demonstrate the goals set at the Commission through their work
- Understanding and respect for rights (we empower people and foster change through education and awareness-raising about human rights)
- Human rights are respected and discrimination is addressed (we identify and address human rights breaches and resolve disputes about discrimination and human rights)
- Leadership and influence (we are a respected and influential advocate for human rights)
- Organisational excellence (we have a collaborative and innovative work culture and maintain efficient and effective systems)