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13 November 2014Book page
Our functions
Legislation The Commission exercises functions under the following Acts. Australian Human Rights Commission Act Establishes the Commission and outlines its powers and functions. It defines human rights by reference to the following international instruments: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Convention on the Rights of the Child Declaration on the Rights of the Child… -
Commission – General
13 November 2014PublicationAnnual Report 2013-14
The role of the Australian Human Rights Commission is to see that human rights and fundamental freedoms are understood and respected in law, policy and practice. The Commission is independent from government, with a legislative mandate, and recognised internationally as an ‘A status’ national human rights institution. We strive to resolve complaints, encourage positive law reform and build a… -
Rights and Freedoms
12 November 2014SpeechCelebration of brave journalism
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Introduction and acknowledgement Thank you Andrew for your welcome. Before I begin I would like to acknowledge that we meet on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and pay my respects to elders, past and present. May I also acknowledge Peter Greste’s parents and family who have joined us tonight. I thank Al Jazeera for the invitation and congratulate them… -
Children's Rights
12 November 2014SpeechProtected and safe: a child’s right, our responsibility
Megan MitchellNational Children’s Commissioner National Child Protection WeekGala Dinner – Alice SpringsThursday 11 September Introduction Thank you, Jade and Jacob and good evening everyone. I’m delighted to be here tonight as part of National Child Protection Week. Can I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting today, the Arrentre – Arrunda - people… -
Complaint Information Service12 November 2014Webpage
Complaint information in Auslan
The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent third party which investigates complaints about discrimination and breaches of human rights. This presentation in Auslan explains what you can complain about and how the complaint process works. Watch Information about making a complaint -
Children's Rights
11 November 2014Speech
Child Protection: Every Child’s Right
Megan MitchellNational Children’s Commissioner National Child Protection WeekBreakfast LaunchTuesday 9 September Introduction Thank you, Charlie and Zac, and good morning everyone. I’m delighted to be here this morning to help launch National Child Protection Week and to present the NAPCAN Play Your Part Award. Can I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we are… -
Rights and Freedoms
7 November 2014Opinion piece
The government should fix two free-speech obstacles together: 35P and 18C
The Abbott government should correct the festering sores of 35P of National Security Legislation and 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act together. Since the passage of Section 35P of the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill a number of journalists have decried the threat to free speech of jailing someone for revealing the details of an ASIO special intelligence operation. Their… -
Sex Discrimination
30 October 2014SpeechAustralian Industry Group National Personnel and Industrial Relations (PIR) Conference
I’ve been asked here today to speak briefly about gender equality in workplaces and about the National Review on Discrimination Related to Pregnancy, Parental Leave and Return to Work, which I am currently conducting. -
Legal
27 October 2014SubmissionInformation concerning Australia’s compliance with the Convention Against Torture
Information concerning Australia’s compliance with the Convention Against Torture Submission by the Australian Human Rights Commission 17 October 2014 Download PDF Download Word Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Statutory powers of the Australian Human Rights Commission 3 Independent monitoring and inspection mechanisms, including ratification of the Optional Protocol 4 Domestic… -
LGBTIQ+
23 October 2014Opinion pieceIt's time for the transgender talk, Australia
The backlash against tweets directed at Catherine McGregor on Q&A last week should spark a conversation about transgender people in Australia. We must improve attitudes, writes Tim Wilson. We all need to learn something new for the first time, so let's use the opportunity presented by last week's episode of Q&A to educate Australians about treating transgender people with respect… -
Legal
22 October 2014Publication
Mordechai v Commonwealth of Australia (DIBP)
Explore a report into arbitrary detention in the case of Mordechai v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Border Protection). -
Legal
22 October 2014Publication
[2014] AusHRC 73
[2014] AusHRC 73 -
Legal
22 October 2014Publication
MC and Hassan Ghanbari v Commonwealth of Australia (DIBP)
Explore a report into arbitrary detention in the case of Arif v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Border Protection). -
Legal
22 October 2014Publication
Arif v Commonwealth of Australia (DIBP)
Explore a report into arbitrary detention in the case of Arif v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Border Protection). -
Rights and Freedoms
14 October 2014Opinion piece
Speak up out of respect for rights and culture
To advance human rights we need to promote a culture of respect for everyone exercising their choice and freedoms. On a day-to-day basis, human rights probably appear abstract for most Australians. The term often gets raised in discussion about how we are treating asylum seekers, or when we discuss disadvantage in the community. It is common for people to say "I have a right to" one thing,… -
Children's Rights
13 October 2014Publication
Children's Rights Report 2014
The report outlines work the National Children's Commissioner has undertaken throughout 2013-14, which focuses on the findings of the examination into intentional self-harm, with or without suicidal intent, in children and young people under 18 years of age. -
Legal
10 October 2014Submission
Inquiry into the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014
Discover the submission on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill. -
Children's Rights
10 October 2014Opinion piece
It's time to strengthen our surrogacy laws to help protect children
NATIONWIDE regulations are urgently needed to cover situations when Australians are engaging surrogates to have children for them. The range of assisted reproductive technologies available today presents many legal, moral and ethical challenges. These are challenges we can no longer ignore and require national, state and international leadership. In Australia, altruistic surrogacy is… -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
10 October 2014Opinion pieceMagna Carta shelters asylum-seekers
NEXT year is the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed reluctantly by King John at the demand of his rebellious barons in 1215. Buried in the middle of this foundational document of English constitutional law — setting out the single measure for wine and ale and the rights of widows on the death of their husband — are these words: “No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned or disseised… -
Rights and Freedoms
10 October 2014Opinion piece
Even in pursuit of valid goals, let's stop sacrificing principles and rights
In pursuit of legitimately tackling isolated criminal behaviour, Parliaments are reversing the basic principle of liberal democracy by criminalising the exercise of human rights and prescribing lawful activity.