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Rights and Freedoms
20 October 2025Publication
Peace of mind: New report explores neurotechnology and human rights
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released a groundbreaking report that explores how we can embrace the benefits of neurotechnology while making sure human dignity stays front and centre. Titled 'Peace of Mind: Navigating the ethical frontiers of neurotechnology and human rights', this is the first national human rights report of its kind globally. It considers the ways that… -
Rights and Freedoms
13 April 2015Book page
Our work plan for 2014-15
Priority: Human rights education and promotion We work to build awareness of rights and freedoms across the community, encouraging a culture of respect and responsibility that values dignity. To make this a reality, the Commission creates a range of community engagement and human rights education programs to engage with a broad cross-section of the community. We use tools such as social… -
Rights and Freedoms
26 June 2025Opinion piece
Australia’s torture failures must end
In an opinion piece published in The Mandarin, Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay decries Australia’s ongoing failures in torture protection. The piece was published on the 1989 anniversary of Australia signing up to the UN Convention Against Torture. -
Rights and Freedoms
27 March 2015Book page
5 Next steps – future areas of work
Based on the outcomes of Rights & Responsibilities 2014, the Human Rights Commissioner will prioritise the following areas of work in relation to human rights over the next four years: Freedom of expression: the Commissioner will continue to explore potential reforms in relation to current laws that restrict the right to freedom of expression. Religious freedom: the Commissioner will… -
Rights and Freedoms
11 April 2013Project
Right to vote
The right to vote is not enjoyed equally by all Australians A healthy democracy makes sure that all members of the community have equal access to the political process. Australia is a democratic nation where governments are elected by popular vote. However, even though almost all Australians over 18 years old have the right – and the obligation – to vote, not all Australians enjoy that right… -
Rights and Freedoms
19 May 2014Opinion piece
Opening minds to ‘forgotten freedoms’
Opinion by Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson. First published in The Australian on 17 May 2014. Reform is not the end of debating free speech in Australia, it is the beginning The “forgotten freedoms” provide the foundations of our liberal democracy, and we have to reconnect with them. There are competing views about how human rights and freedoms should be approached. After all, human… -
21 August 2025Webpage
Protest rights in Australia - an explainer
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Rights and Freedoms
1 May 2013Webpage
Right to security of the person and freedom from arbitrary detention
Back to rights and freedoms: right by right Introduction | Commission work | International scrutiny | More information | Comments Introduction ICCPR Article 9 states: Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are … -
Rights and Freedoms
30 November 2022Speech
Reforming Age Discrimination Law
Reforming Age Discrimination Law: Beyond Individual Enforcement, Alysia Blackham (2022) Panel discussion Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM President, Australian Human Rights Commission I am speaking today from the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging—and to the traditional custodians of the lands from wherever… -
Rights and Freedoms
13 March 2024Speech
The Commission’s model for a Human Rights Act for Australia
The Australian Human Rights Commission's model proposes a national Human Rights Act, safeguarding rights for all Australians and addressing human rights concerns. It aims to modernize the legal framework. -
Rights and Freedoms
7 December 2023Media Release
Report tabled: Revitalising Australia’s commitment to human rights
Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP has tabled a report by the Australian Human Rights Commission that calls for a renewed National Human Rights Framework and National Human Rights Act to better protect the rights of all people in Australia. The report, Revitalising Australia’s commitment to human rights, provides 12 recommendations to improve government accountability … -
Rights and Freedoms
16 October 2023Media Release
Finalists announced for 2023 Australian Human Rights Awards
Monday 16 October 2023: A diverse array of people and organisations from across Australia have been selected as finalists for this year’s Australian Human Rights Awards, the country’s premier national event for honouring and celebrating Australia’s human rights heroes. The 21 finalists were selected from over 260 nominations across five categories, including the prestigious Australian Human… -
Rights and Freedoms
9 October 2024News story
Statement: Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian Universities
President Hugh de Kretser gave at opening statement at the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry into the proposed Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill (2024)