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Our complaints process provides a way in which individuals and groups can voice and resolve disputes about discrimination and human rights. Our complaint work is also central to our role in protecting and promoting human rights and complements our policy and education work. The number and type of complaints we receive often highlight systemic discrimination problems. We use this information to help address the underlying factors that lead to discrimination – developing education programs or suggesting policy reforms for workplaces, service providers, educational institutions and others.

Access to safe and secure housing is one of the most basic human rights. However, homelessness is not just about housing. Fundamentally, homelessness is about lack of connectedness with family, friends and the community and lack of control over one’s environment.

The experience of people in rural and remote Australia has always featured prominently in the Commission's work. During the reporting year the Commission undertook two major projects addressing the human rights of children and young people in rural and remote Australia.

In order for us to realise the Commission’s vision of a society where human rights are for everyone, everywhere, every day, we have made building understanding and respect for human rights one of our two key policy priorities. We are seeking to lift the level of consciousness within the Australian community of the importance of human rights to the maintenance of our free, democratic, inclusive and peaceful society.

A fundamental goal of the Commission is to engage all parts of the Australian community in a constructive dialogue about human rights and how they can be better protected.

Our aim is to make this a reality. To that end we strive to build understanding in the Australian community about what human rights are and their relevance for everyday life. We have made good progress on our journey, but we know we have more work to do.

The Commission has been working closely with the Attorney-General’s Department on all aspects of the Framework. In particular, we have provided input into the development of a National Human Rights Action Plan, human rights education initiatives, improved human rights protections including greater parliamentary scrutiny, and consolidation of federal discrimination laws.

We are often invited to share our knowledge and expertise with others in the region and around the world. For example, we engage in regular technical cooperation programs with China and Vietnam and currently support a number of disability organisations in Pacific Island countries.