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17 September 2013Book page
Who we are
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… -
Sex Discrimination
14 December 2012SpeechThe Hidden Business Problem: Domestic Violence
Thank you, Bob, for that generous introduction and warm welcome. And thank you to G&T for hosting this event. I am so pleased to be able to join you this evening for this year’s Vincent Fairfax Speaker Series. I thought I might never make it – for the last two days I have had the privilege of being on-board the warship HMAS Sydney as it undertook war exercises offshore –… -
14 December 2012Book page
Letter to small business organisations on draft premises standards
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently (May 2004) met with representatives from a number of small business organisations to discuss the draft Premises Standards. The purpose of the meetings was to provide additional information on a number of specific concerns that had been raised. The Commission followed up the meetings with a letter which is reproduced below. -
Sex Discrimination
14 December 2012Speech
Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force
In April last year, I was asked by the Minister for Defence to conduct an independent Review into the Treatment of Women - both in the Australian Defence Force Academy, or ADFA, and in the broader Australian Defence Force - on behalf of the Australian Human Rights Commission. -
Disability Rights
14 December 2012SpeechOne size does not fit all (2011)
It's true of almost everything in life - clothes, relationships, jobs, etc … one size does not fit all. -
Disability Rights
8 May 2019Media Release
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse and Neglect of People with Disability
Statement from Alastair McEwin, Disability Discrimination Commissioner I support the motion to hold a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability. I call upon the Government to act immediately on this motion by proceeding to establish the Royal Commission without further delay. The prevalence and pervasiveness of violence, abuse and neglect against people… -
Age Discrimination
26 May 2016PublicationQualitative study: Employment discrimination against older Australians
In 2015 the Australian Human Rights Commission engaged EY Sweeney to conduct qualitative research to supplement the 2014 quantitative national prevalence survey. -
Age Discrimination
1 October 2021Opinion piece
Generational divide? It’s more myth than reality
Although antagonism between the generations is often seen as inevitable, the ‘generational wars’ we hear about are not supported by Australians themselves. A new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, What’s age got to do with it? A snapshot of ageism across the Australian lifespan, examines what young adult, middle-aged and older Australians really think about age and ageism… -
Education25 February 2015Webpage
Statistics about Cultural and Racial Diversity
Explore the rich, cultural diversity of Australia through statistics and infographics. Learn more about narratives supporting systemic racism. -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
15 June 2021Media ReleaseCommission urges immediate action on COVID-19 risk to people in immigration detention
The Australian Government must act urgently to reduce the number of people in closed immigration detention in response to the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19, according to a new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Management of COVID-19 risks in immigration detention recommends new safety measures be introduced to protect people in immigration detention, and the wider community… -
Sex Discrimination
15 July 2015Webpage
Returning to work from leave
Find out more about your options and entitlements when you I return to work from parental leave. -
15 July 2014Book page
Chapter 3: How do we keep moving forward? A road map for our future
3.1 Introduction In chapters 1 and 2, I look back over the past 20 years that the Social Justice Commissioner position has been in place and think about the journey and our learning over this time. In this chapter, I want to explore how those lessons can take us forward to chart a confident course into the future and how the realisation of our rights can produce long term sustainable… -
Age Discrimination
30 September 2019Media Release
International Day of Older Persons
The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to consider the contribution made by older Australian workers and the importance of creating age friendly workplaces. The percentage of Australians aged 65 and over in the labour force doubled between 2000 and 2015 - and 20% of people over 70 are still working. We need to continue this trend so individuals can contribute and continue… -
LGBTIQ+
22 September 2017SpeechKeynote Address - Military Pride Ball 2017
Military Pride Ball - Keynote Speech Check against delivery Introduction Acknowledgements • Thank you, James and Ellen, for your kind introduction. • Traditional owners: the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation and to pay my respects to their elders past and present. • The many members of the LGBTI community who have served in the armed forces – as well as those from inside and outside the… -
Disability Rights
2 July 2014Speech
National Press Club address
(check against delivery) I acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. I do so not as a formulaic beginning, but as a sincere recognition of the place which the land holds in the lives and culture of our first Australians. I saw much of the disadvantage Aboriginal people experience during my time as Race Discrimination Commissioner, and fail to understand why - at a time when we are… -
13 November 2014Book page
The Year in Review
Building understanding and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms We all have a responsibility to respect the rights and freedoms of others. To make this a reality, the Commission works to build greater understanding of human rights and their importance in daily life. This is one of our two key priorities for 2011-2014. We work with a broad range of groups across the country,… -
Disability Rights
14 December 2012Speech
Workshop on using the Disability Discrimination Act effectively
Let me first pass on regrets from Sev Ozdowski that he was not able to be here as planned. He very much wanted to attend this as the first major disability conference since he commenced duty as Disability Discrimination Commissioner at the end of last year - but he had surgery this week that meant he could not travel. -
Children's Rights
17 January 2019SpeechMegan Mitchell at the National Press Club
I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land we gather on today, and across Australia, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and future. Thanks to UNICEF for the opportunity to share the moment in which both our reports are submitted, and Anne Sherry in particular. Congratulations also to UNICEF and the Child Rights Taskforce on this fabulous report. When Australia… -
Rights and Freedoms
6 March 2020SpeechIs it coming up roses yet? Women in the 21st century
Union, University and Schools Club * check upon delivery Introduction Thank you to the Union, University and Schools Club for inviting me to speak and to Dr Mary Forbes for reaching out to. This is a wonderful event. Full of pride, full of celebration—and full of women and supportive men! Let me begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Gadigal… -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
19 September 2017Speech
Making detention safe and humane: can we grasp a once-in-a-generation opportunity?
Making detention safe and humane: can we grasp a once-in-a-generation opportunity? Austin Asche Oration Australian Academy of Law and Charles Darwin University Nitmiluk Lounge, Level 4, Parliament House, Darwin 5pm, 19 September 2017 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Introduction Acknowledgements Traditional Aboriginal owners, the Larrakia people Austin Asche AC QC (former NT Administrator and Chief…