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The Commission is an national independent statutory body established under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986. It has a President and five Commissioners. The five positions are currently held by three persons. Please refer to the organisational chart on page 16 for further information.

The 2000-01 reporting year was a year of consolidation for the Commission’s Complaint Handling Section (CHS) following the legislative changes to the complaint handling function in April 2000.

As a result of the enactment of the Human Rights Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 1999 (Cth) the jurisdiction of the Commission to conduct public inquiries into complaints was transferred on 13 April 2000 to the Federal Court and Federal Magistrates Service. However, the Commission retained the jurisdiction to complete those public inquiries it had commenced prior to 13 April 2000. During 2000–01, 32 of these matters were finalised. Of those:

The 2000 Social Justice Report is the second by Dr Jonas. It tabled in both houses of the federal Parliament on 28 March 2001. The theme of the report is reconciliation and human rights.

Mr Graeme Innes AM continued to serve on a part time basis throughout 2000-01 as Deputy Disability Discrimination Commissioner. In this role he assists with the handling of public enquiries, exemption applications and the development of standards under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Dr Ozdowski has made public education on human rights a priority for his term. Other priority areas are the elderly in our ageing society and children. Dr Ozdowski is working to progress the Commission’s 2000 recommendations for alleviating age discrimination, as set out in the report Age matters: a report on age discrimination.

The term of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Halliday, expired on 26 April 2001 and the federal Attorney - General, the Hon. Daryl Williams, AM, QC, MP announced the appointment of Ms Pru Goward as Sex Discrimination Commissioner for a five-year term on 29 June 2001. Ms Goward commenced her appointment on 30 July 2001. In the interim, the President acted as Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

In 2000-01, as in past years, the Commission participated in some bilateral international program activities, generally as part of the Australian Government’s development cooperation program developed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

At 30 June the Commission recognised no contingent losses or gains. The contingent loss noted in 1999-00 was realised in 2000-01 and is included in Suppliers expense.

During 2000 - 01 the Commission used a range of consultancy services where there was, for example, a need for rapid access to latest technology and experience in its application; limitations on executive time; lack of in-house resources; the need for independent study; or a need for a change agent or facilitator. There were 8 consultants under engagement during the financial year and total payments of $439,780.00 were made to consultants.

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:

HRC Report No. 10 – Report of an inquiry into a complaint of acts or practices inconsistent with or contrary to human rights in an Immigration Detention Centre (2000)

Telephone: (02) 9284 9600 General enquiries and publications: 1300 369 711 Complaints Infoline: 1300 656 419 TTY: 1800 620 241 Facsimile: (02) 9284 9611

Initial inquiries about access to Commission documents should be directed to the Freedom of Information Officer by either telephoning (02) 9284 9600 or by writing to:

* When complaints under the Racial, Sex & Disability Discrimination Acts are terminated, the complainant may apply to have the allegations heard and determined by the Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Service. ** Complaints under the Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission Act concerning discrimination in employment or a breach of human rights, which cannot be conciliated, cannot be taken to the Federal Court.

The Commission’s Performance Management Scheme provides a framework to manage and develop our staff to achieve our corporate objectives. There have been two cycles completed since its implementation on 1 July 1999. The scheme provides regular and formal assessment of an employee’s work performance and allows for access to training and skill development.

Back to 1999 - 2000 Annual Report Contents Annual Report 1999 - 2000 Significant Achievements for 1999 - 2000 Youth Challenge Program - A program for secondary school students Community Information/Education Program Commission Website update Engagement by President and Commissioners in media debate on range of issues Release of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner's ...

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.

The Commission is an organisation established under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986. It has a President and six Commissioners. The six positions are currently held by four persons.