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Sex Discrimination5 March 2021Media Release
Statement on Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces
As Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, I welcome today’s announcement from Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham. I acknowledge the importance and urgency of this Independent Review (Review) into the workplaces of Parliamentarians and their staff, established by the Federal Government, in consultation with the Presiding Officers, the Opposition, minor parties and independents. The… -
Commission – General27 August 2021Publication
Corporate Plan 2021 - 2022
Respect for human rights and freedoms is the cornerstone of a cohesive and peaceful society in which everyone can make a contribution and feel safe and included. This Corporate Plan shows how we achieve our purpose and promote an Australian society where human rights are enjoyed by everyone, everywhere, everyday -
Children's Rights16 November 2021Media Release
Proposal to raise the age does not go far enough
All 16 of Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates say a commitment by state attorneys-general to develop a proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough. In a joint statement, Australian children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates said: “We are pleased that some jurisdictions have for the first time indicated they will look at… -
Age Discrimination16 May 2023Speech
Human Rights Don't Diminish With Age (2023)
Hon. Dr Kay Patterson AO Age Discrimination Commissioner Speech to Chris Barnard Nursing Agency (CBNA) MACG Grand Cedar, Ashwood VIC, 3 May 2023 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Welcome everyone - I wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong people as the traditional owners of the lands from which I speak and pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I also want to -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice25 March 2021Media Release
Joint Statement: Rights of Children in the NT
Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO have urged the Northern Territory government to reconsider its proposals for youth offending, announced yesterday. The NT Government yesterday said it would put in "automatic revocation of bail" for young people who reoffend or breach their bail… -
Race Discrimination17 March 2020Media Release
Commemorating one year since the Christchurch mosque attack
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan and Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow have commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attack. In a joint statement, they said: “The Christchurch massacre was deeply traumatic for New Zealand’s Muslim community. That trauma has echoed throughout the Muslim community in Australia and internationally.” “One year… -
Rights and Freedoms21 April 2020Opinion piece
Resisting extremism in a pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to this big island of ours, our leaders made a momentous decision: they decided to save as many human lives as possible. This was the right decision. It shows we as a country care about human life above all else. But now we face an even harder question: how to save lives while preventing economic collapse and staying true to our democratic values? In order… -
Disability Rights15 February 2024Webpage
IncludeAbility Ambassadors
Meet the ambassadors who offer leadership and advice to people with disabilities and advocate for the benefits of employing people with disabilities. -
Disability Rights8 May 2020Speech
COVID-19: Advancing Rights and Justice During a Pandemic
Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute Virtual Event Series May 7, 2020 Ben Gauntlett, Disability Discrimination Commissioner Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, fellow speakers. Thank you to Professor Emens for that kind introduction. COVID-19 exacerbates disadvantage – but in doing so it highlights the importance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities … -
Rights and Freedoms30 March 2019Speech
‘Free and Equal’: Making Human Rights Education a Priority
National FutureSchools Expo and Conferences 21 March 2019, Melbourne Introduction I pay my respects to the Wurudjeri peoples of the Kulin nation who are the traditional custodians of this land—to their elders, past and present, and to the future generations, the children and young people that look to us as educators. I also extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander -
Rights and Freedoms29 July 2024Teachers Article
Let's Talk About...
Explore the Let's Talk About... suite of resources for primary school students. Featuring videos and interactive activities across the topics of equality and equity, education, refugees, disability, and bodies, identity, and sexuality. -
Rights and Freedoms17 January 2019Speech
Human rights in the 21st century
Human rights in the 21st century—Reflections on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Australian Council for International Development National Conference Human Rights in the 21st Century—People. Planet. Peace. Opening Address 30 October 2018 UNSW, Sydney by Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM President, Australian Human Rights Commission* [Professor Croucher… -
Children's Rights26 June 2019Speech
Speech to NSW & ACT Professional Standards Network
A speech by Megan Mitchell covering The Royal Commission’s recommendations, the connection between those recommendations and the National Principles, work we’re doing at the Australian Human Rights Commission in the Child Safe Organisations project, how religious organisations can implement the National Principles, government responses to the Royal Commission’s recommendations and recent… -
Sex Discrimination29 April 2024Webpage
Guidance materials
The Commission created these guidance materials for organisations and businesses to understand their responsibilities and comply with the positive duty. -
Disability Rights4 April 2024Webpage
Jane Spring
Learn about IncludeAbility Ambassador Jane Spring becoming T10 paraplegic and her journey to meaningful employment, enabling her to develop and grow her skills. -
Disability Rights5 May 2019Video
Carly Findlay gives the 2019 Matt Laffan Memorial Address
In March 2009, Sydney Law School alumnus Matt Laffan passed away after he fought and lost the biggest battle of his colourful and active life. On 27 February 2019, Carly Findlay, writer and appearance activist, will deliver a memorial address to celebrate the significant impact Matt made in his short life. The 2019 address is jointly co-hosted by Sydney Law School and the Australian Human… -
Legal17 January 2019Speech
‘Vulnerability and the Law’ - UNSW
University of New South Wales Law Journal Launch of Thematic Issue on ‘Vulnerability and the Law’ Vol 41(3) 2018 27 September 2018 * Check against delivery Acknowledgements I pay my respects to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and to their elders past and present—as well as to emerging leaders. Thank you to Lachlan Peake and Veronica Sebesfi for the invitation to speak tonight. Can I… -
Disability Rights30 April 2024Webpage
Establishing a Disability Employee Network
Learn about establishing a Disability Employee Network - an employee-led group championing the inclusion of people with disability within their workplace. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice28 May 2020Opinion piece
Learning from crisis
Six weeks ago I returned to my traditional homeland near Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia. Thanks to modern technology, I am working remotely and continuing my duties as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. Like many Aboriginal people, I chose to return to Country because COVID-19 travel restrictions made homeland communities the safest place to see out the… -
Rights and Freedoms17 January 2019Media Release
Encryption law falls short on rights safeguards
Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow warns significant threats to human rights remain despite some improvements to Australia’s encryption law. “Police and security agencies must be equipped with robust powers to protect our national security. However, these powers need independent oversight, to ensure any impact on our human rights is proportionate to the relevant risks,” said…