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14 December 2012Book page
Social Justice Report 2000: Chapter 2: Reconciliation and human rights
This will be how we assess the success or otherwise of the reconciliation process in years to come. The reconciliation process has the potential to be as significant, and difficult, as the process that led to the joining together of the states into one indissoluble federation in 1901. It challenges us to adapt the structures of society in ways that ensure that first nation peoples can participate… -
15 July 2014Book page
Chapter 1: How far have we come? Looking back on 20 years of the Social Justice Commissioner role
1.1 Introduction This year marks 20 years since the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (Social Justice Commissioner) role under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth). When I first started in this position I was asked if any of the previous Commissioners had left any words or notes of advice. I answered them ‘no, but they all… -
27 November 2015Book page
The need for better engagement - Year in review
1.1 Introduction In last year’s Social Justice and Native Title Report, I raised concerns about the changes resulting from the 2014-15 Budget and the restructure to Indigenous Affairs through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS). Despite initial concerns about how these changes would impact our communities, I indicated that the streamlining of programs and the move away from a ‘one size… -
14 December 2012Book page
Native Title Report 2011: Chapter 1: Reviewing key developments in the Reporting Period
In this Chapter I review key developments within the native title system that occurred throughout the Reporting Period (1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011) and consider the impact of these events on the exercise and enjoyment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ human rights. -
Education14 December 2012Publication
Human rights education in the national school Curriculum
The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) welcomes the development of a national school curriculum (the Curriculum). We believe that the development of the Curriculum is a unique opportunity to ensure all young Australians develop an understanding and appreciation for human rights. -
Rights and Freedoms
13 May 2013WebpageScrutiny by human rights treaty bodies
Each of the main human rights treaties requires parties to submit regular reports to a specialist Committee on their implementation of their obligations. These Committees are composed of independent experts elected by the parties to the treaty. A number of eminent Australian experts have served on these Committees, including Professor Ivan Shearer (Member, Human RIghts Committee) Professor… -
Commission – General
3 September 2018PublicationHuman Rights & Climate Change (2008)
Climate change will have significant impacts in both Australia and across the globe. Australia is one of the most arid continents in the world. It is vulnerable to risks such as disruptions to water supply; increases in the severity of storms, floods and droughts, coastal erosion due to sea level rise; and to negative human health impacts, for example through an increase in the range and spread… -
10 April 2015Book page
2 Background and framework for promotion and protection of human rights
2.1 Scope of international obligations 2.2 National framework 2.3 Equality before the law and non-discrimination 2.4 Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 2.5 Right to life, liberty and security of the person 2.1 Scope of international obligations Australia prides itself on its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and has announced its candidacy for election to the… -
Race Discrimination
14 December 2012PublicationThe RDA and native title (1997)
The response to the High Court’s Wik decision has given rise to intense discussions about the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA), the Australian Constitution and the future of native title, among other things. -
Children's Rights
17 July 2014SpeechRights of children in schools: a human rights perspective on behaviour
Read a speech by the Children's Commissioner that highlights the importance of including the views of students when defining the rights of children. -
Legal
14 December 2012WebpageProposed Wild Rivers Declarations
‘The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses.’[11] There is a fundamental link between accessing water and living in dignity which means that the human right to water is receiving increased attention and recognition both in Australia and worldwide.[12] The right to water is linked… -
14 December 2012Book page
It's About Time - Chapter 3
3.1 Introduction 3.2 Australia's human rights obligations for workers with family and carer responsibilities 3.3 Limitations of federal discrimination law 3.4 The need for law reform 3.5 Conclusion -
Children's Rights
14 April 2015Speech
Embedding children’s rights into children’s services
YMCA 2015 National Children’s Services Conference Moonee Valley Racing Club, Victoria Saturday 21 March 2015 Introduction Good morning and thank you for the introduction. I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past and present. I’d like to thank YMCA for… -
14 December 2012Book page
Native Title Report 2001: Chapter Three: Negotiating co-existence through framework agreements
A stable and enduring basis for a dynamic and long term relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people over land is emerging through negotiation and agreement-making. Native title agreements are increasingly seen as an important tool in defining the rights of native title holders over their land. But here, as in other aspects of native title, there is concern that there are currently… -
14 December 2012Book page
Native Title Report 2005 : Chapter 4 : Leasing on Indigenous land: a human rights appraisal
This report has focused on proposals for the leasing or alienation of Indigenous land, with a specific focus on the Indigenous Land Tenure Principles released by the National Indigenous Council (NIC). The purpose of this Chapter is to discuss these Principles from a human rights perspective, with a particular focus on the right to development. -
14 December 2012Book page
Chapter 3: A human rights-based approach to lateral violence - Social Justice Report 2011
When we look at the many issues that face Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is easy to get paralysed by their complexity, entrenched nature and the sheer size of the challenge. But as an optimist, I believe that there is a lot that we can do to address these problems. There are many different tools available to suit the varying circumstances that face our diverse communities… -
14 December 2012Book page
Social Justice Report 2004 : Chapter 3 : Implementing new arrangements for the administration of Indigenous affairs
Part 1: What are the new arrangements for the administration of Indigenous affairs? -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
Inquiry into the Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act Bill 2009 and other Bills
There is intense hurt and anger at being isolated on the basis of race and subjected to collective measures that would never be applied to other Australians. The Intervention was received with a sense of betrayal and disbelief. Resistance to its imposition undercut the potential effectiveness of its substantive measures. -
14 December 2012Book page
Social Justice Report 2001: Summary
1. Ten Years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody 2. Mutual Obligation, Welfare Reform and Indigenous Participation: A Human Rights Perspective -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 and Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement Bill 2010
The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) makes this submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in its Inquiry into the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (the Bill) and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement Bill 2010.