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Legal
14 December 2012WebpageInquiry into Australia’s agreement with Malaysia in relation to asylum seekers
Recommendation 1: Asylum seekers should not be transferred from Australia to Malaysia under the Arrangement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Malaysia on Transfer and Resettlement. -
14 December 2012Book page
Appendix 1 - Chronology of events relating to the administration of Indigenous affairs, 1 July 2008 – 30 June 2009: Social Justice Report 2009
[1] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Cape York Welfare Reform Trial to begin’ (Media Release, 1 July 2008). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/cape_york_welfare_1jul08.htm (viewed 28 July 2008). -
14 December 2012Book page
Native Title Report 2009: Chapter 1
The reporting period for this Report is 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009. Throughout this period, there was significantly more activity in native title law and policy than I witnessed in the first five years of my term as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. -
Commission – General
14 December 2012WebpageTaking stock of Australia’s human rights record – Submission by the Australian Human Rights Commission under the Universal Periodic Review process (2010)
This significant new process involves a review of the human rights record of each member of the UN on a periodic basis (at present, every four years). Australia makes its first appearance in January 2011. -
14 December 2012Book page
Native Title Report 2009: Chapter 4
During the reporting period, Australian governments continued to develop tenure reform policies for Indigenous land. Governments frequently describe these policies as a means of promoting home ownership and economic development on Indigenous land. The reality is not so simple. -
14 December 2012Book page
Introduction - Social Justice Report 2010
It is with great pleasure that I present my first Social Justice Report (the Report) as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, having commenced my five-year term on 1 February 2010. -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
Letter to the Committee against Torture regarding issues for Australia (2010)
Thank you for giving the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) the opportunity to provide information to the Committee Against Torture (the Committee) that is relevant to the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the Convention) in Australia. -
Rights and Freedoms
11 April 2013ProjectRight 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 as a ... -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
Northern Territory Emergency Response Review Board
The government has an obligation to take action to address violence and abuse, particularly where there is evidence that is it widespread. Governments that fail to do so are in breach of their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRoC), the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). -
Rights and Freedoms
14 December 2012Publication
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 as a practical matter. -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
Information concerning Australia and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) (2010)
Recommendation 2: That the proposed Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights be empowered to make recommendations in relation to the implementation of ICERD Committee Concluding Observations. -
14 December 2012Book page
Native Title Report 2010: Chapter 3: Consultation, cooperation, and free, prior and informed consent: The elements of meaningful and effective engagement
On 3 April 2009, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (Minister for Indigenous Affairs) delivered a formal statement in support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Declaration).[1] In this statement, the Minister acknowledged that ‘[w]e need to find more ways of hearing Indigenous voices’.[2] -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
National Human Rights Consultation - Appendix 2
The Declaration recognises the legitimate entitlement of Indigenous people to all human rights – based on principles of equality, partnership, good faith and mutual benefit... -
14 December 2012Book page
Chapter 1 - Introduction: Social Justice Report 2009
This is my sixth, and final, Social Justice Report as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. It covers the period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009. -
12 February 2013Book page
3 Promotion and protection of human rights on the ground
3.1 Equality before the law and non-discrimination A prominent theme throughout Australia’s UPR was the unacceptable level of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples , with 50 of the countries that spoke during the interactive dialogue referring to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [15] Since its appearance the Australian Government ... -
31 January 2013Webpage
2009 Human Rights Medal and Awards Winners
Since 1987, the Australian Human Rights Commission has recognised the often extraordinary contribution to Australian society of a wide variety of men and women committed to issues of human rights, social justice and equality through the annual Human Rights Medals and Awards. Each year we receive outstanding nominations for the Human Rights Medal, Young People’s Human Rights Medal and seven award ... -
14 December 2012Book page
Social Justice Report 2007 - Chapter 2: Indigenous communities dealing with family violence and abuse
Family violence and abuse occurs at unacceptable rates in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) communities. We have heard many tragic stories of women, children and young people who have experienced devastating sexual abuse and family violence. It is a scourge that is causing damage and trauma among Indigenous communities, to our women and children, and to the fabric of Indigenous cultures. -
Legal
14 December 2012Webpage
Information concerning Australia and the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Recommendation 1: The Commission recommends that the Australian Government fully incorporate into Australian law its human rights obligations to children, including through the adoption of a federal Human Rights Act. -
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 left ... -
14 December 2012Book page
Chapter 2: Constitutional reform: Creating a nation for all of us - Social Justice Report 2010
A century ago, the Australian people engaged in a debate about creating a nation. They held meetings...They wrote articles and letters in newspapers. Many views were canvassed and voices were heard. The separate colonies, having divided up the land between them, discussed ways of sharing powers in order to achieve a vision of a united Australia. The result was the Australian Constitution, establishing the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.