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Article 3(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that a child's best interests are to be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them. The Australian system, whereby the guardian of unaccompanied child asylum seekers is the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, rather than an authoritative, independent statutory body, does not ensure that the requirements of article 3(1) are met.

The 2006-07 year has been largely dedicated to identifying and eliminating the discrimination faced by people in same-sex relationships in accessing basic financial and work-related entitlements.

I am convinced that climate change, and what we do about it, will define us, our era, and ultimately the global legacy we leave for future generations. Today, the time for doubt has passed.[1] Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations

I am delighted to present my first statement as President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Much of what is reported in this volume occurred before I took up my appointment. The last twelve months have been a time of challenge and success for the Commission as it continues the important task of promoting and protecting the observance of human rights in Australia.

Lateral violence is a multilayered, complex problem and because of this our strategies also need to be pitched at different levels. In Chapter 3 I have looked at the big picture, with the human rights framework as our overarching response to lateral violence. In this Chapter I will be taking our strategies to an even more practical level, looking at how we can create environments of cultural safety and security to address lateral violence.

The Commission’s vision is of and for an Australian society in which the human rights of all people are respected and promoted. Our task is to find practical, pragmatic ways to turn the rhetoric of human rights into an everyday reality for all Australians and build a more tolerant and inclusive community. As this report indicates, this past year has been a period of substantial achievement as we strive towards this goal.

The deep-seated and complex nature of Indigenous disadvantage calls for policies and programs which are patient and supportive of enduring change... A long-term investment approach is needed, accompanied by a sustained process of continuous engagement... The new policy framework developed by COAG (as reflected in the National Indigenous Reform Agreement and the Closing the Gap strategy) represents ...

...education is the engine room of prosperity and helps create a fairer, more productive society. It is the most effective way we know, to build prosperity and spread opportunity...[1]

The year of this report saw several significant changes and developments within the Commission. Some were anticipated; some had been delayed; some were more welcome than others all led to a full and active twelve month period.

One of the most critical issues facing Australia is the challenge of our changing climate. Closely linked to this is the need to carefully manage our precious water resources.

The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee met at least four times during the year. The Committee includes a staff health and safety representative and at least four corporate support staff. The Committee surveyed staff on their awareness of OH&S issues and as a result was then able to hold relevant training sessions on specific OH&S issues for staff and supervisors. The Committee looked at reviewing the OH&S Plan and this will be finalised in the new year. There have been no accidents or dangerous occurrences reported.

The Commission's Workplace Diversity Plan was finalised in September 1999. The Commission recognises that diversity in its staff is one of its greatest strengths and assets and is committed to ensuring that its Workplace Diversity Plan achieves its objectives and is congruent with the external approach promoted by the Commission. All staff were provided with the opportunity to contribute to the Plan. The Plan's objectives are defined under three broad areas, covering the organisation, the working environment and the people.

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: