Reporting on Australian Human Rights Commission complaint matters
The Australian Human Rights Commission's complaint process is confidential. As such, we are unable to comment on or discuss the details of particular complaints we have received or handled.
Many complaints that the Commission receives are resolved through conciliation. The Commission is an impartial third party during the conciliation process, as such, we can not provide information to external parties (including the media) about this conciliation process.
Our role is to assist the parties to consider different options to resolve the complaint and provide information about possible terms of settlement. We can also help write up the conciliation agreement.
Outcomes will vary depending on the nature of the complaint. However, agreements can include an apology, reinstatement to a job, compensation for lost wages or damages, changes to a policy or putting in place anti-discrimination policies.
If the complaint can’t be resolved through conciliation, the complainant can apply to have the matter heard in the Federal Court or the Federal Magistrates Court.
For further information on the complaints process see www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/conciliation.html
The Commission produces a Conciliation Register which briefly summarises a selection of complaints conciliated by the Commission. The Register is updated on a quarterly basis and is available at www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/register/index.html.
A DVD about the conciliation process titled 'Pathways to Resolution' is available online at
www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/
pathways_to_resolution/index.html or can be ordered from the publication officer on 02 9282 9600 or 1300 369 711 (cost of a local call from anywhere in Australia).
