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(1) For the purpose of the performance of its functions, the Commission may make an examination or hold an inquiry in such manner as it thinks fit and, in informing itself in the course of an examination or inquiry, is not bound by the rules of evidence.

Since the release of the 2005 Social Justice Report, a coalition of organisations and individuals has worked for the adoption of its recommendations and an end to Indigenous health inequality in Australia:

This submission is made on behalf of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO). It addresses some of the terms of reference of the Inquiry.

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation whose mission is to accompany, serve and defend the rights of forcibly displaced people. It has a staff of over 600 full time personnel and is at work in over 60 countries. At the present time JRS has active programmes of social support and legal counselling in prisons and detention centres for asylum seekers in about 20…

As Kathleen pointed out this morning this conference attempts to reflect the trafficking trail, to view the process from the perspective of the women involved. I am indebted to her for her clear discussion of the bravery and strong agency of trafficked women. In a context where it is very difficult for trafficked women to speak for themselves, because of the nature of trafficking and their own…

Sexual harassment has been unlawful across Australia for almost twenty years with 2004 marking the twentieth anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (Sex Discrimination Act). [2] Over that period, community awareness of the existence of sexual harassment, particularly in the area of employment, has grown considerably.

A significant number of sexual harassment complaints received by the Commission involve small businesses. Employers should be aware of the potential for sexual harassment to occur in the context of close working relationships where staff are on familiar terms with one another and should take appropriate precautions to avoid this risk.

1. The federal government should amend the discriminatory laws identified by this Inquiry to ensure that same-sex and opposite-sex couples enjoy the same financial and work-related entitlements.

This year's Report discusses a large number of initiatives currently underway or in development at the federal, state and territory levels in relation to policy making in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. It notes for example the following positive developments in Indigenous policy:

The past year has been one of great contrasts. On the one hand, we have experienced the apparent harmony and healing of the walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and similar walks in other states and on the other hand, the national outpourings of grief and anger at the death of a 15-year-old boy in custody in Don Dale Detention Centre in Darwin in February.

Yes. The difference in judgment and perception of life and events from when one is well to when one is psychotic is quite extreme, so anything that can be done to make this passage, and the return to wellness, a little easier is to be recommended.

The Commission provides advice and recommendations to the Australian Government on an ongoing basis. Our aim is to ensure that a human rights perspective informs a broad range of policy issues, especially in priority areas like social inclusion.

Looking back over the last 12 months, I can genuinely say that we’ve moved closer to these objectives. But we must move closer still in our efforts to see this agenda of hope realised.

Understand key terms from the 2008-2009 annual report glossary.

Access educational resources and downloads from the Voices of Australia project, aimed at promoting human rights education.