Prior to the federal election on 7 September 2013, the then Opposition announced a number of policies which it would implement, if elected, to deter asylum seekers arriving in Australia by boat and to reform Australia’s refugee status determination process. Some of the key proposals which are relevant to the Commission’s mandate are briefly considered below. 4.1 Temporary Protection Visas…

We all know that prejudices are prevalent within our society. We also know that such prejudices often translate into discrimination. And yet, proving discrimination is notoriously difficult.[1]

Homelands still belong to the people, we want to build homes on our land and live there. When we come to the homeland we come back to the peace and quiet. ... It is a much better environment on the homelands, better things for the children.[1]

The International Labour Organisation Convention 111 deals with discrimination in employment and occupation. Australian adherence to this Convention provides that all people have the right to equal treatment in employment and occupation without discrimination on the basis of:

As I reflect on the events that have taken place during the reporting period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011, I see cause for optimism whilst also acknowledging there are still some areas that remain a concern. Over the last year we have reached some major milestones. For instance, we have seen the election of the two co-chairs and a board to the National Congress of Australia’s First…

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary, the Australian Human Rights Commission has put together a seminar series exploring various aspects of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Media Releases Launch Speech by Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Launch of the ATSIC Yilli Rreung Regional Council's Strategic Plan and the Social Justice Report 2004 and Native Title Report 2004, Darwin, 27 April 2005 Media Release : Social Justice Commissioner puts government on notice Media Release : Walking with women - addressing the needs of…

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission occupies a unique place in Australian society. It sits independent of Government, yet it is not what is traditionally known as a non-government organisation (NGO) or an advocate.

In my role as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (Social Justice Commissioner), I am required to prepare two reports on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ human rights issues each year – the Social Justice Report and the Native Title Report.

I recently had the opportunity to address participants in the ALGA National Local Roads and Transport Congress on the role of local government in responding to the mobility and access needs of people with a disability.

In 2003-04, as in past years, much of our international work was in the form of bilateral technical cooperation programs with the national human rights institutions of other countries, or related agencies. These programs, which are based around sharing knowledge and expertise, are generally delivered through the framework of the Australian Government's development cooperation program, which is…

I have pleasure in presenting the twelfth Annual Report on the operations of the Privacy Act 1988 for the year 1999-2000. The year past has been a challenging and productive year for the Office.

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is generally understood to mean that corporations have a degree of responsibility not only for the economic consequences of their activities, but also for the social and environmental implications. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘triple bottom line’ approach that considers the economic, social and environmental aspects of corporate activity.