Refine results
-
Commission - General
17 June 2025Media ReleaseWho will be Australia’s 2025 human rights heroes?
The search is on to recognise Australia’s leading human rights defenders and advocates who strive to improve the lives of people across the country. Australia’s peak human rights body is calling for nominations for the Australian Human Rights Awards. The Australian Human Rights Commission is encouraging people to nominate people and organisations whose work inspires them. “The awards… -
Age Discrimination
6 June 2025Media ReleaseAdvocates unite to promote older people’s human rights
A new Australian network to promote the human rights of older persons within Australia and internationally has been launched, bringing together key civil society organisations and individuals. As Australia ages, the need for enforceable human rights for older persons becomes more urgent. The Human Rights As We Age Network will work collaboratively to advance human rights for older persons -
Sex Discrimination
23 May 2025Media ReleaseAustralian Human Rights Commission to take action to address gender pay gap
New data from Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) shows the Australian Human Rights Commission has a 13.5% median gender pay gap, despite women making up 85% of Commission staff. “Gender inequality is widespread in Australia. The Commission’s results underscore the work we must do to address gender inequality within our organisation,” said President of the Australian Human Rights… -
Disability Rights
5 May 2025WebpageChapter 1: Legal and human rights obligations
Contents What is the Disability Discrimination Act? Reasonable adjustments The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities What is good practice? Universal design Keeping up with fast-changing technology What is the Disability Discrimination Act? Anti-discrimination laws in all Australian federal, state and territory jurisdictions prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability… -
Rights and Freedoms
24 March 2025Opinion pieceCOVID report provides reality check on human rights during pandemic
Opinion piece | Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay Earlier this month the Australian Human Rights Commission released Collateral Damage: What the untold stories from the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about human rights in Australia. In the five years since COVID-19 reached Australia, this report is the first to assess the country’s pandemic response through a human rights lens. It is… -
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. -
Race Discrimination
14 March 2025Media ReleaseAustralian Human Rights Commission observes International Day to Combat Islamophobia
The Australian Human Rights Commission marked the importance of combating Islamophobia and reaffirm our commitment to tackling racism and discrimination. -
Commission - General
31 October 2024Speech
Human Rights Act for NSW
Advocating for a NSW Human Rights Act, Hugh de Kretser emphasizes its importance for First Nations and all citizens, highlighting the need for comprehensive human rights protections. -
Rights and Freedoms
26 February 2025Media Release
Australia must learn from COVID-19 response and prioritise human rights in future emergencies
A major new report about the COVID-19 pandemic by the Australian Human Rights Commission has highlighted how critical gaps in the emergency response could be improved upon in future crises. -
Commission - General
23 August 2024Speech
A Human Rights Act for Australia
Human rights are the blueprint for a decent, dignified life for all. Human rights are the key to creating the kind of society we all want to live in. A speech by Commission President, Hugh de Krester. -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
19 February 2025Media ReleaseHuman Rights Commissioner says NZYQ Nauru resettlement announcement raises more questions than it answers
Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner has written to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke seeking clarity and transparency around an Australian Government decision to resettle three members of the NZYQ cohort in Nauru, saying the announcement raises serious human rights concerns and prompts more questions than it answers. -
Race Discrimination
24 January 2025Media Release
Australian Human Rights Commission commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day
Commissioners honour the memory of the six million Jewish men, women, and children, as well as millions of others, who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust. -
Legal
9 July 2025PublicationMr LG v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2025)
Mr LG v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) [2025] AusHRC 185 Report into a failure to treat a person deprived of their liberty with humanity and respect of their inherent dignity Australian Human Rights Commission 2025 -
Commission - General
4 June 2025Speech
Financial Counselling Australia Conference
Hugh de Kretser discusses the importance of truth telling, what he learned working at the Yoorrook Justice Commission, human rights values and the need for Human Rights Acts.