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Legal22 March 2024Media Release
Commission welcomes ALRC report on religious schools and anti-discrimination laws
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the tabling of the report by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) on Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws. The ALRC’s recommendations would ensure that students and teachers are protected from discrimination on the basis of their sexuality, gender identity, marital or relationship status, or pregnancy – regardless of ... -
Rights and Freedoms29 January 2024Media Release
Statement on the ruling of the International Court of Justice 26 January 2024
The Australian Human Rights Commission reiterates our calls for: human rights to be respected for Palestinians and Israelis; the need to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law; and the rights to protest, freedom of assembly and association. Following the interim ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 26 January, we join calls for: urgently needed basic services and ... -
Race Discrimination17 April 2024News story
Race Discrimination Commissioner urges unity in wake of Sydney attacks
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has urged communities to embrace compassion and reject division, following two stabbing attacks in Sydney this week. Commissioner Sivaraman extended his condolences to all impacted by the attack at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, and the deadly stabbings at Westfield Bondi Junction.; “Like the rest of the country ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice27 May 2024Media Release
Social Justice Commissioner: now more than ever, Australia must reconcile with its First Nations people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, has marked the start of Reconciliation Week by calling on Australians to finally overcome generations of disadvantage and division when it comes to First Nations rights, and forge a path for unity. The Commissioner warned that systemic failures facing Indigenous communities in all sectors of society including health ... -
Age Discrimination13 June 2024Media Release
Age Discrimination Commissioner: Australia has a long way to go to end elder abuse
Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM has warned the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is likely to lead to an increased risk of elder abuse with Australia needing to further bolster its efforts to address the nationwide problem. Elder abuse is when harm is done to an older person by someone they know and trust, often a family member. It can take many forms, including neglect, financial ... -
Sex Discrimination17 October 2022Media Release
National plan to end gender-based violence must be fully resourced to achieve results
Explore a plan to end gender-based violence and how for this to succeed, all governments need to make investments in prevention and recovery strategies. -
Commission – General3 November 2017Media Release
Finalists announced for Community Organisation Award
The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced five finalists for the Human Rights Awards in the Community Organisation category. The award is presented each year to a non-government or community based organisation with a proven track record in promoting and advancing human rights in the Australian community. This year’s shortlist includes a diverse range of organisations. • End Rape on ... -
Children's Rights24 August 2022Media Release
Survey shows children need better mental health support
A national survey examining the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people during the COVID-19 pandemic shows children and their families need better support from schools and mental health services. An initiative of the National Children's Commissioner, the survey found that children most commonly seek mental health support from their families, friends and schools. However, these ... -
Rights and Freedoms3 April 2024Media Release
Michael Kirby on board for historic human rights forum
Esteemed international jurist, human rights advocate and former Australian High Court judge Michael Kirby is one of several new speakers and panellists who have been announced as participants in the Free + Equal Human Rights Conference during this year’s Vivid Sydney festival. Justice Kirby will join the line-up for the Rights On Time show on the evening of Thursday 6 June in the Hyatt Regency ... -
Sex Discrimination6 July 2023Media Release
Commission welcomes new Sex Discrimination Commissioner
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the appointment of Professor Anna Cody to the role of Sex Discrimination Commissioner. “On behalf of Commissioners and staff, I warmly welcome Professor Cody to the Commission. She has a distinguished career as an academic, as a lawyer specialising in discrimination and as a passionate advocate for human rights,” said Commission President, Emeritus ... -
Race Discrimination10 July 2024Media Release
New report finds governments at all levels across Australia failing on racism
A new report has found governments and their departments at all levels across the country are failing to adequately identify and address racism – even avoiding the term ‘racism’ – and that approaches across the board are ad-hoc, disjointed, reactive, and lacking coordination between governments, agencies and sectors. -
Age Discrimination27 November 2019Media Release
Attorneys-General Need to Act on Elder Abuse
Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson is calling on the Council of Attorneys-General to agree to take immediate action on elder abuse at their meeting tomorrow to develop a timetable outlining its action plan. “Elder abuse is a blight on our society. Older Australians do not have time on their side, they need immediate action from Governments at state and federal levels,” said Dr ... -
Commission – General7 November 2017Media Release
Finalists announced for Young People's Medal
A diverse range of finalists will be vying for the 2017 Young People’s Medal, with judges revealing their top five nominees. “I congratulate this outstanding group of young people for their dedication to advancing human rights,” said Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher. They are: Georgie Stone Georgie is a transgender advocate who at the age of 10, was the youngest person to ... -
Rights and Freedoms12 March 2024Media Release
Historic forum to build momentum for Australian Human Rights Act
Revitalising Australia’s human rights framework – including efforts to introduce an Australian Human Rights Act – will be the focus of a landmark conference in June during the Vivid Sydney festival. Presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Free + Equal Human Rights Conference will take place over 6 and 7 June at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney and will include 12 engaging sessions and ... -
Rights and Freedoms22 March 2024Media Release
Waleed Aly joins line-up for landmark human rights forum
Presenter, journalist and academic Waleed Aly is among a raft of talent who have just been announced as speakers and panellists for the Free + Equal Human Rights Conference during this year’s Vivid Sydney festival. Mr Aly will join the line-up for the Rights On Time show on the evening of Thursday 6 June in the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom where he’ll panel through time with ‘sleek geek’ Adam ... -
Rights and Freedoms16 April 2024Media Release
Full program revealed for landmark gathering of Australian Human Rights Act supporters
Leading human rights advocates from across Australia and around the world are set to give a massive boost to efforts to introduce an Australian Human Rights Act at a historic forum in June during the Vivid Sydney festival. The final line-up of speakers has just been announced with more than 60 eminent experts, thought leaders, social justice advocates and community heroes set to provide a lively ... -
Disability Rights8 April 2013Publication
Know your rights: Disability discrimination
Disability discrimination is when a person with a disability is treated less favourably than a person without the disability in the same or similar circumstances. -
Sex Discrimination12 August 2022Media Release
Sex Discrimination Commissioner calls for swift action to address harassment and bullying in NSW Parliament
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins welcomes the report on sexual harassment, assault, and bullying in New South Wales Parliament and urges swift action on recommendations. -
Rights and Freedoms15 December 2017Media Release
Australia ratifies major anti-torture treaty OPCAT
Today Australia has taken the final step necessary to ratify and implement a major international treaty that combats torture and other forms of mistreatment. This is an opportunity to protect the rights of people who are detained in Australia for generations to come. The Australian Human Rights Commission today welcomes the Australian Government’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the ... -
Rights and Freedoms21 September 2023Media Release
Human Rights Commissioner critical of COVID inquiry scope
Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of an inquiry into Australia’s handling of the COVID pandemic but has criticised the inquiry’s terms of reference for not having a specific focus on human rights impacts and for excluding the unilateral actions of state and territory governments. Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the government ...