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Commission - General13 November 2014Book page
Our functions
Legislation The Commission exercises functions under the following Acts. Australian Human Rights Commission Act Establishes the Commission and outlines its powers and functions. It defines human rights by reference to the following international instruments: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Convention on the Rights of the Child Declaration on the Rights of the Child… -
Rights and Freedoms13 November 2014Book page
Highlights of the year
Key achievements Information and Complaints Services In 2013-14, the Commission assisted 19 688 people and organisations – up 16% on the previous year – by providing information about the law, assisting with problem solving and facilitating referrals to other services. We received 2223 complaints of alleged discrimination and breaches of human rights and finalised 2178 complaints. We… -
Rights and Freedoms13 November 2014Book page
President’s statement
This year the Commission finalised its strategic vision for the coming four-year period. The Strategic Plan 2014-2018 provides a roadmap for all our activities and meets the Commission’s new legal obligations under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth). Over the next four years the Commission will work on three core priorities: human rights education and… -
Rights and Freedoms13 November 2014Book page
Commissioners’ statements
Mick Gooda Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner There have been many issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in 2013-14, such as the over-representation of our people in the criminal justice and child protection systems, the future of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and… -
Commission - General13 November 2014Publication
Annual Report 2013-14
The role of the Australian Human Rights Commission is to see that human rights and fundamental freedoms are understood and respected in law, policy and practice. The Commission is independent from government, with a legislative mandate, and recognised internationally as an ‘A status’ national human rights institution. We strive to resolve complaints, encourage positive law reform and build a… -
13 November 2014Book page
About the Commission - Annual Report 2013-14
Our vision Human rights: everyone, everywhere, everyday Our role The role of the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is to see that human rights and fundamental freedoms are understood and respected in law, policy and practice. The Commission is independent from government, with a legislative mandate, and recognised internationally as an ‘A status’ national human rights… -
Complaint Information Service12 November 2014Webpage
Complaint information in Auslan
Learn about the complaint information available in Auslan. -
Rights and Freedoms7 November 2014Opinion piece
The government should fix two free-speech obstacles together: 35P and 18C
The Abbott government should correct the festering sores of 35P of National Security Legislation and 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act together. Since the passage of Section 35P of the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill a number of journalists have decried the threat to free speech of jailing someone for revealing the details of an ASIO special intelligence operation. Their… -
Legal27 October 2014Submission
Information concerning Australia’s compliance with the Convention Against Torture
Information concerning Australia’s compliance with the Convention Against Torture Submission by the Australian Human Rights Commission 17 October 2014 Download PDF Download Word Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Statutory powers of the Australian Human Rights Commission 3 Independent monitoring and inspection mechanisms, including ratification of the Optional Protocol 4 Domestic… -
Rights and Freedoms14 October 2014Opinion piece
Speak up out of respect for rights and culture
To advance human rights we need to promote a culture of respect for everyone exercising their choice and freedoms. On a day-to-day basis, human rights probably appear abstract for most Australians. The term often gets raised in discussion about how we are treating asylum seekers, or when we discuss disadvantage in the community. It is common for people to say "I have a right to" one thing,… -
Legal10 October 2014Submission
Inquiry into the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014
Explore the submission on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill. -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees10 October 2014Opinion piece
Magna Carta shelters asylum-seekers
NEXT year is the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed reluctantly by King John at the demand of his rebellious barons in 1215. Buried in the middle of this foundational document of English constitutional law — setting out the single measure for wine and ale and the rights of widows on the death of their husband — are these words: “No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned or disseised… -
Rights and Freedoms10 October 2014Opinion piece
Even in pursuit of valid goals, let's stop sacrificing principles and rights
In pursuit of legitimately tackling isolated criminal behaviour, Parliaments are reversing the basic principle of liberal democracy by criminalising the exercise of human rights and prescribing lawful activity.