Publications

2023

Rights and Freedoms

A National Human Rights Act for Australia

Australia is the only liberal democracy in the world that does not have a national act or charter of rights that explains what people’s basic rights are and how they can be protected.

2022

Rights and Freedoms

Mr AO v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2022)

Explore the report into the use of force in the case of Mr AO v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) from 2022.

2021

Rights and Freedoms

Ms PQ and Ms PR v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2021)

Report into a failure to treat persons deprived of their liberty with humanity and respect for their dignity

2020

Rights and Freedoms

LF v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2020)

Report into arbitrary detention

2020

Rights and Freedoms

Mr AC v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2020)

Explore a report into arbitrary detention in the case of Mr AC v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) in 2020.

2020

Rights and Freedoms

PD v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2020)

Report into arbitrary detention and use of handcuffs

2020

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.

2020

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.

2020

Rights and Freedoms

Mr Nauroze Anees v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs)

Mr Nauroze Anees v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) [2019] AusHRC 133 Report into complaint of arbitrary detention and arbitrary interference with family

2019

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.

2019

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...

2019

Rights and Freedoms

Factsheet: Guide to the protections for freedom of religion (2019)

There are a number of protections for freedom of religion in Australian law. At the federal level, a person may make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission or to the Fair Work Commission about discrimination on the basis of religion that occurs in the context of employment.

2019

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?

2018

Rights and Freedoms

OPCAT in Australia. Consultation Paper: Stage 2

In this second stage of consultation with civil society, the Commission invites comments on the proposals set out in the Interim Report, as well as a further set of questions regarding how OPCAT should be implemented in Australia. The two stages of the Commission’s consultation are intended to be...

2017

Rights and Freedoms

OPCAT in Australia Consultation Paper (2017)

OPCAT in Australia Consultation Paper MAY 2017 Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 What is OPCAT? 2.1 National Preventive Mechanism 2.2 Sub-committee on the Prevention of Torture 3 The NPM model 4 Key issues for consideration 4.1 Stocktake of places of detention 4.2 Definitional issues – what does...