Publications

Rights and Freedoms

Revitalising Australia’s commitment to human rights

This is the final report of the Commission's major, five year Inquiry into Australia's human rights framework. It recommends a National Human Rights Act for Australia and a framework to support it. Download the report, the Executive Summary, and a two-page explainer.

Rights and Freedoms

Free and Equal: A reform agenda for federal discrimination laws (2021)

This Position Paper sets out the Australian Human Rights Commission’s proposals for reforming federal discrimination law in Australia. It forms part of the Commission’s Free and Equal project: A National conversation on human rights.

Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of Religion in Australia: a focus on serious harms (2020)

The right to freedom of religion is recognised in international human rights law and receives some protection in Australia’s federal, state and territory laws.

Rights and Freedoms

Implementing OPCAT in Australia (2020)

The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) aims to improve how people’s human rights are protected when they are detained.

Rights and Freedoms

Discussion paper: A model for positive human rights reform

This paper outlines what our current system of human rights protections looks like, how it is and isn’t effective in ensuring that government respects, protects and fulfils our human rights, why reforming the current system is critical, and options for reform.

Rights and Freedoms

Discussion paper: Priorities for federal discrimination law reform

This paper sets out the Commission’s preliminary views on the priorities for federal discrimination law reform. It identifies the need for reform, the principles that should guide it, and the 11 major priority areas for reform to ensure effective protection against discrimination at the federal...

Rights and Freedoms

Free and equal: An Australian conversation on human rights (2019)

Through 2019, the Commission will promote conversation nationally to identify what makes an effective system of human rights protection for 21st century Australia?