Australian Human Rights Commission Media Releases

Commission congratulates Dr Tom Calma – ACT’S Australian of the year

22 Nov 2012 06:14:18 GMT

Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and the Australian Human Rights Commission would like to congratulate Dr Tom Calma for being named the Australian Capital Territory's Australian of the year.

Commission raises strong concerns over developments in Australia’s response to asylum seekers

22 Nov 2012 01:25:52 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission President, Professor Gillian Triggs has expressed serious concerns about a number of elements of the Minister’s announcements in relation to developments in Australia’s response to asylum seekers.

Commission welcomes National Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill

20 Nov 2012 03:00:25 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the release of the exposure draft of a national Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill.

‘Aboriginality’ is not a political football

14 Nov 2012 07:51:09 GMT

Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has called for the ongoing debate in the media about the definition of Aboriginality to stop.

Nominees for the 25th Human Rights Awards announced

12 Nov 2012 04:59:23 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced the nominees for the 25th Human Rights Awards. The awards honour the inspiring contributions each nominee has made to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Nominees for the 25th Human Rights Medal

1 Nov 2012 23:22:37 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced the nominees for the 25th Human Rights Medal.

Migration Act amendments undermine Australia’s international law obligations

31 Oct 2012 23:22:10 GMT

The proposed amendments to the Migration Act requiring that asylum seekers who arrive anywhere in Australia by boat be taken to a regional processing country undermine Australia’s obligations under the Refugees Convention and other human rights treaties.

MP’s urged to strengthen protection of rights of world’s seniors

29 Oct 2012 23:21:43 GMT

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, will address the Parliamentary Friends of Seniors and Ageing on the need for more protection of older people around the world.

Sexual Harassment still widespread in Australian workplaces

30 Oct 2012 04:36:10 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, released Working without fear: Results of the sexual harassment national telephone survey 2012 today, which shows that sexual harassment is not only widespread in Australian workplaces, but that progress in addressing it has stalled.

MP’s urged to strengthen protection of rights of world’s seniors

30 Oct 2012 04:35:24 GMT

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, will address the Parliamentary Friends of Seniors and Ageing on the need for more protection of older people around the world.

Commission welcomes ASIO High Court ruling but urges immediate Government action

8 Oct 2012 06:25:29 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the High Court’s decision to invalidate the regulation that requires the refusal of a protection visa to a refugee assessed by ASIO to be a ‘risk to security’.

BackMeUp winners set to complete their film

27 Sep 2012 06:56:17 GMT

Months of planning, waiting and finally creating will culminate tomorrow when the 10 winners of the national BackMeUp anti-cyberbullying Campaign complete the rough cut of their 30 second television commercial.

Stop Press: deadline extended for Human Rights Awards

14 Sep 2012 04:29:17 GMT

The deadline for the 2012 Human Rights Awards has been extended by two weeks. Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs said in this 25th anniversary year the Commission wants to ensure everybody has the best chance to nominate people whose contribution should be celebrated on this special occasion.

Offshore processing arrangements carry serious human rights concerns

14 Sep 2012 03:51:22 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has serious concerns that the human rights of asylum seekers sent to Nauru will not be adequately protected.

Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples turns five years old

13 Sep 2012 06:47:01 GMT

The Australian Government has taken some significant steps towards implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples since formally supporting it but much more remained to be done, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today on the fifth anniversary of the UN adoption of the Declaration.

Australian Human Rights Commission - Media Statement

12 Sep 2012 04:33:35 GMT

Pak family v Commonwealth of Australia The former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Catherine Branson QC, found that the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship did not consider the best interests of an Australian child as a primary consideration when seeking to remove the child’s parents from Australia. She also found that the removal of the child’s parents from Australia would amount to an arbitrary or unlawful interference with the family. Read More - http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2012/74_12.html Tuifangaloka v Commonwealth of Australia Former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Ms Catherine Branson QC, found that the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship breached the human rights of a young girl, Miss Judy Tuifangaloka. Read More - http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2012/75_12.html Mr SD v Commonwealth of Australia Former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC, has found that the Commonwealth breached the rights of an individual not to be subject to arbitrary detention pursuant to article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Read More - http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2012/76_12.html

Cyberbullying competition winners to be announced

3 Sep 2012 01:58:36 GMT

Crunch time comes this afternoon (Monday, 3 September) for more than 100 young people around Australia who entered the ground-breaking BackMeUp video competition and campaign. The winners will be announced on BackMeUp’s Facebook page at 4.30pm east coast time www.facebook.com/2012backmeup.

Racism. It Stops with Me – National Anti-Racism Strategy launched

23 Aug 2012 23:12:41 GMT

Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke will unveil the National Anti-Racism Strategy in Melbourne today alongside the Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy.

Treatment of women in ADF report released

22 Aug 2012 00:56:52 GMT

The Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has released the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report of the Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force, the most comprehensive review of its kind ever undertaken.

Indigenous media strengthens identity

8 Aug 2012 23:31:57 GMT

Indigenous media is critical to demystifying Indigenous culture and strengthening our identity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Respect and choice integral to health and aged care

7 Aug 2012 23:31:14 GMT

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, today released the Australian Human Rights Commission’s paper, Respect and choice: A human rights approach for ageing and health.

We must do more to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

2 Aug 2012 23:30:42 GMT

It is not acceptable that between 40 to 50 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still live in poverty across Australia, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today on the eve of national Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day.

International Olympic Committee rules need review

2 Aug 2012 23:29:31 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says he is disappointed with the current focus on the International Olympic Committee rules, rather than on boxer Damien Hooper’s impressive achievements.

Commission finds RailCorp discriminated on basis of criminal record

13 Mar 2012 03:11:48 GMT

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC has found that the Rail Corporation of NSW (RailCorp) discriminated against a job applicant when it decided not to give him a position because of his criminal record.

Long-term funding commitment welcomed but Stronger Futures still must change

28 Mar 2012 07:48:24 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has welcomed the long-term funding commitment announced today for Northern Territory communities but has urged the government to change the Stronger Futures legislation.

Celebrate and Reflect on Harmony Day

20 Mar 2012 23:40:54 GMT

As the nation celebrates Harmony Day and marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke is calling upon all Australians to battle racism in the community.

Take a stand to stop bullying on national day of action

15 Mar 2012 23:16:15 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has urged Australians to get behind today’s National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Release of sexual harassment bystander research

24 Jul 2012 00:26:59 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has released the Commission’s new research report, Encourage. Support. Act!: Bystander approaches to sexual harassment in the workplace, which examines the role bystanders can play in preventing and reducing the incidence of sexual harassment.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner welcomes first national Action Plan on Women Peace and Security

11 Mar 2012 23:44:02 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has welcomed Australia's first national Action Plan on Women Peace and Security. It implements the UN Security Council resolution 1325 and related resolutions which were adopted on 31 October 2000 .

Today, think about rural women living with violence

8 Mar 2012 01:29:43 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said that today, International Women’s Day, was a time to think about the right of all women to live free of violence whether they live in an urban, remote or rural community.

Time to turn the tide on violence and discrimination on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity

2 Mar 2012 02:42:47 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission is lending its support to a statement being presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next week.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner welcomes new Gender Equality Bill

1 Mar 2012 07:33:46 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has welcomed the introduction into Parliament today of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Amendment Bill 2012.

Commission welcomes steps towards better monitoring of places of detention

1 Mar 2012 04:33:32 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed progress towards Australia’s ratification and implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).

National Apology anniversary reminds us of how far we’ve come

12 Feb 2012 00:58:01 GMT

The fourth anniversary of the National Apology is a reminder of how our nation can come together in efforts to overcome injustices of the past and look to the future.

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission to leave in July 2012

10 Feb 2012 05:36:48 GMT

The President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC is expected to leave the position of Commission President at the end of July 2012.

Statement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda: Changing the conversation

1 Feb 2012 03:23:48 GMT

Like most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I am heartbroken that the events of last week have caused distress and division amongst our people.

Marlon Noble will only be truly free when his name is cleared

9 Jan 2012 04:10:47 GMT

Marlon Noble’s release after 10 years behind bars without a trial has been welcomed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes.

Historic decision leads Australia a step closer to making equal remuneration for women a reality

1 Feb 2012 03:20:59 GMT

Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, has welcomed the decision by Fair Work Australia to award more than 200,000 social and community services sector workers, pay-rises of between 19 and 41 per cent.

Constitutional recognition is a chance to shape a better future for us all

19 Jan 2012 03:22:45 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the release today of the Report from the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Leading Australians recognised in Australia’s annual Human Rights Awards

9 Dec 2011 05:11:07 GMT

Ron Merkel QC from Victoria has been announced as the winner of the 2011 Human Rights Medal at the Australian Human Rights Commission’s annual Human Rights Awards in Sydney today.

Every Australian Counts – including those with a disability

1 Dec 2011 07:45:39 GMT

Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes said today that more needs to be done to improve the opportunities for people with disability in our society.

Passing of rugby league legend a huge loss

1 Dec 2011 07:01:42 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says today’s passing of Aboriginal sporting legend Arthur ‘Artie’ Beetson is a huge loss for Australian sport and the broader community.

Commissioner says age crisis preventable

29 Nov 2011 01:09:18 GMT

Speaking at the Australian Industry Group Personnel and Industrial Relations Conference today, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan said that older people will continue to be pushed out of work at the expense of business productivity unless we start to reassess the way we think about the ideal employee.

Business should be part of the 16 Days of Activism

28 Nov 2011 23:50:03 GMT

As the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women campaign gets under way, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick said it was important for the business community to appreciate the role they can play.

Stronger human rights laws will ensure more scrutiny of law-making

28 Nov 2011 06:23:25 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the passage last week of laws that will strengthen Australia’s commitment to human rights.

Bridging visas are a more humane way to treat people seeking protection

25 Nov 2011 03:45:23 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed today’s announcement that bridging visas will be granted to an initial group of asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat.

Violence against women is wrong – on any day, in any way

24 Nov 2011 21:48:44 GMT

The Australian Human Right’s Commission’s White Ribbon Ambassadors, Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, and Graeme Innes, Disability Discrimination Commissioner, believe there is no place for violence against women in our community and that men can and should unite to try and prevent it.

Bullying and violence within Indigenous communities come under the spotlight in 2011 Social Justice and Native Title reports

24 Nov 2011 07:12:17 GMT

Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner with the Australian Human Rights Commission, will launch his 2011 Social Justice and Native Title Reports in Sydney tomorrow, Friday 25 November 2011.

Human Rights Medal and Young People’s Medal finalists

24 Nov 2011 07:11:29 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced finalists for the 2011 Human Rights Medal and the Young People’s Medal.

Stronger Futures – a chance to move beyond the pain of the Intervention

23 Nov 2011 06:59:14 GMT

The Stronger Futures Bills introduced into Parliament today indicate that the government has started to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said.

Finalists announced for Human Rights Awards

21 Nov 2011 04:53:15 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced finalists in the Print and Online Media and Law Award categories for the upcoming Human Rights Awards.

Commission announces inquiry into the treatment of suspected people smugglers who say that they are children

21 Nov 2011 04:53:15 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission will conduct an inquiry into the treatment of suspected people smugglers who claim to be children.

The way forward to eliminating racism in Australia begins at the top

18 Nov 2011 03:29:56 GMT

Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke has called for a renewed national commitment to multiculturalism from government and business leaders.

Finalists announced for Human Rights Awards

17 Nov 2011 01:18:52 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced finalists in the Television and Radio Award categories for the upcoming Human Rights Awards.

Finalists announced for Human Rights Awards

15 Nov 2011 04:18:52 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced finalists in the Business Award and Community Individual Award categories for the upcoming Human Rights Awards.

Continued investment in the Northern Territory needs to be targeted

14 Nov 2011 07:06:32 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory have long identified the need to improve school attendance and access to secure local jobs, so it is encouraging that the Government appears to be listening, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Acceptance the key to a successful National Anti-Racism Partnership

11 Nov 2011 06:44:48 GMT

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke is calling for tolerance and diversity as she prepares to lead the first public consultation of the National Anti-Racism Partnership Strategy.

Equal pay agreement for community and services workers is historic

10 Nov 2011 04:53:52 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said the announcement today that the Government and the Australian Services Union will make a joint submission to Fair Work Australia, on equal pay for the community and services sector, was an historic milestone in gender equality.

Finalists announced for human rights awards

10 Nov 2011 03:07:04 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced finalists in two categories for the upcoming Human Rights Awards.

Don’t miss out - book your tickets now to the 2011 Human Rights Awards

8 Nov 2011 01:00:23 GMT

The annual Human Rights Awards are now only four weeks away and tickets are selling fast.

President reports into arbitrary detention, the standard of treatment in detention and rights of the child in detention

3 Nov 2011 00:59:40 GMT

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Catherine Branson QC, has found that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship breached the human rights of an Iranian family.

Report into the Treatment of Women at ADFA released

3 Nov 2011 05:46:13 GMT

Today, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick released the Report of the Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

National voice and national plan marks new day for Indigenous health equality

3 Nov 2011 00:39:49 GMT

The Close the Gap Campaign welcomes the new national voice for the health interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Removal of superannuation age cap to be applauded

2 Nov 2011 06:40:55 GMT

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, said that Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten’s announcement today, that the age bar for superannuation guarantee contributions would be lifted completely, was a significant achievement in the fight against age discrimination.

Commission's 2010-2011 Annual Report tabled today

1 Nov 2011 06:40:19 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010-11 Annual Report has been tabled in federal Parliament and is now available on the Commission website at: www.humanrights.gov.au/about/publications/annual_reports/2010_2011/index.html

Anti-Racism Partnership Strategy to reach out to all Australians

28 Oct 2011 04:27:15 GMT

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke today said that the new National Anti-Racism Partnership Strategy will reach out to the entire Australian community.

Real progress will only come from strong and respectful relationships

23 Oct 2011 22:40:31 GMT

Bullying, gossiping, jealousy and family feuding are critical issues within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has been told by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.

Carers are vital for our older Australians

14 Oct 2011 06:13:58 GMT

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, said today that Carers Week is a chance to recognise, value and celebrate a magnificent contribution to our community, very often to older people, by people who are either unpaid or paid a very low wage

Processing asylum seekers on the mainland is welcomed

14 Oct 2011 05:11:25 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the government’s move to process claims for asylum on the Australian mainland.

MC announced for major Human Rights Awards ceremony

12 Oct 2011 03:43:53 GMT

Television comedian Corinne Grant has been announced as the MC for the 2011 Human Rights Awards.

Launching Age Positive: time to buck age stereotypes

29 Sep 2011 22:49:45 GMT

Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan, has today taken steps to encourage people to see tomorrow’s International Day of Older Persons as something more than merely symbolism.

Racism against people of African descent must be tackled

29 Sep 2011 05:43:02 GMT

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke will be the keynote speaker at a national conference in Sydney to celebrate the International Year for People of African Descent.

Mental health impacts of indefinite detention a major concern at Curtin detention centre

29 Sep 2011 00:18:42 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has raised serious concerns about the mental health impacts of indefinite detention on people held at the Curtin Immigration Detention Centre.

Defence Force announcement a matter of equality

27 Sep 2011 05:24:07 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, today welcomed the federal Government’s announcement that gender restrictions for Australian Defence Force combat roles would be removed over the next five years.

Inclusion critical to action on LGBTIQ domestic violence

16 Sep 2011 00:52:13 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, called today for greater inclusion of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex and queer in domestic violence responses.

Immigration detention system in need of reform

14 Sep 2011 06:13:57 GMT

Australia’s system of mandatory, prolonged and indefinite detention should be reformed so that immigration detention is used as a last resort and for the shortest possible time, the Australian Human Rights Commission has said in its submission to the Joint Select Committee on Australia’s Immigration Detention Network.

Ambassadorial appointment a plus for gender equality

13 Sep 2011 01:05:45 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, congratulated the Australian Government today on its decision to appoint Penny Williams as Australia’s first Global Ambassador for Women and Girls.

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples should be fully implemented

12 Sep 2011 08:33:05 GMT

Four years ago today the United Nations acted on almost 30 years of advocacy by Indigenous Peoples around the world and adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, but Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says progress on its implementation has been slow.

Government should not revive Malaysian agreement

12 Sep 2011 07:25:16 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has expressed its concern at today’s announcement that the Migration Act and the Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act will be amended to enable third-country processing of asylum seekers.

Extra week granted for nominations

12 Sep 2011 07:24:56 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has extended the deadline by one week for nominations to the 2011 Human Rights Awards.

Only five days left to nominate your human rights hero

5 Sep 2011 03:46:50 GMT

Nominations are closing this Friday, 9 September for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s annual Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Equal pay still on the agenda after all these years

1 Sep 2011 04:55:07 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said today that Equal Pay Day was extremely important given that, in 2011, a significant pay gap of 17.2% still exists between men and women.

High Court reinforces responsibility to protect the rights of children

31 Aug 2011 07:13:10 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes today’s High Court decision particularly regarding unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Australia.

Only two weeks left to nominate for once a year Awards

24 Aug 2011 05:51:52 GMT

Nominations are closing on 9 September for the 2011 Human Rights Awards.

Commission warns against revisiting aspects of 'Pacific Solution'

22 Aug 2011 06:56:42 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission is concerned that the transfer of asylum seekers to an immigration detention centre on Manus Island could lead to breaches of the human rights of vulnerable people who are seeking protection from persecution.

A new guide for women: Taking action on human rights violations

19 Aug 2011 05:22:48 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, launched a guide today that will assist women who have experienced human rights violations, and been failed by processes in Australia, to use international complaint mechanisms to seek redress.

Time is running out to nominate for print media, television and radio journalists

17 Aug 2011 02:01:23 GMT

The deadline is rapidly approaching for journalists wanting to be recognised for excellence in the reporting of human rights issues in Australia.

President reports on Mr Toro-Martinez v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Citizenship)

16 Aug 2011 05:00:48 GMT

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC has released her report into a complaint made by Mr Toro-Martinez who claimed his human rights had been breached by the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

President reports on Mr Al Jenabi v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Citizenship)

16 Aug 2011 05:59:34 GMT

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC has released her report into a complaint made by Mr Al Jenabi who claimed his right to be free from arbitrary detention had been breached.

Nominate now for human rights literature (non-fiction) award

12 Aug 2011 05:29:10 GMT

Time is running out to nominate for the once-a-year chance to be recognised for literature (non-fiction) in the field of human rights.

National Disability Insurance Scheme a major step

10 Aug 2011 01:15:51 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the Australian Government’s acceptance of the Productivity Commission’s final report into Disability Care and Support and its recommendation for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Social Justice Commissioner calls for nominations for human rights awards

10 Aug 2011 01:29:43 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda is urging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to nominate for the 2011 Human Rights Awards.

Indigenous designs, stories and culture are valuable sources of knowledge

8 Aug 2011 23:46:37 GMT

Whether it’s learning a song in the local language, acknowledging the personal story and rich cultural history behind a painting, or learning from Indigenous Australians how to care for country, today’s International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples should remind us of the resilience and beauty to be found within the culture and stories of our first peoples, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Change for the better is going to take time

8 Aug 2011 05:35:06 GMT

Significant improvements have been made in the lives of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders despite criticism that Australians are not getting value for money, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Commission launches new photo competition

3 Aug 2011 05:20:48 GMT

Apple iPod shuffles and an Apple voucher will be awarded to selected winners in a brand new photo competition launched by the Australian Human Rights Commission today.

Commission mourns the late Lola Edwards (McNaughton)

2 Aug 2011 05:20:18 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission would like to acknowledge the contributions made to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by the late Lola Edwards (McNaughton).

Chance to recognise lawyers working in human rights

28 Jul 2011 05:19:47 GMT

The 2011 Human Rights Awards is the perfect opportunity to recognise the ways that lawyers contribute towards protecting and advancing human rights in Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission President Catherine Branson QC said today.

Sending asylum seekers to Malaysia is not the answer to addressing people smuggling

25 Jul 2011 07:50:38 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has again expressed its concerns about sending people who claim asylum in Australia to Malaysia or other third countries, and has urged that, in particular, the government not send vulnerable individuals such as unaccompanied minors, families with children and torture and trauma survivors under this agreement.

Young human rights advocates have a chance to shine

18 Jul 2011 04:47:51 GMT

Young people around Australia are being urged to nominate themselves or someone else for the 2011 Young People's Human Rights Medal.

Be sure to nominate early and avoid the last minute rush

14 Jul 2011 06:47:51 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission is again expecting a stand-out field of nominations for the 2011 Human Rights Awards.

Being part of change can be life-changing for future generations

4 Jul 2011 06:47:51 GMT

There’s never been a truer message than the theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Commission welcomes expansion of community detention

29 Jun 2011 07:03:50 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed today’s news that a significant number of families and unaccompanied minors have been placed in community detention.

Australia’s immigration detention system continues to breach international human rights obligations

20 Jul 2011 21:30:12 GMT

Australia’s strict immigration detention regime continues to lead to breaches of Australia’s human rights obligations, most notably in relation to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Australian Human Rights Commission President Catherine Branson QC will tell a public lecture in Sydney today.

Review of treatment of women in ADFA: submissions open

27 Jun 2011 03:59:28 GMT

Submissions to Phase One of the Review on the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force Academy and in Australian Defence Force Policies, led by Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, on behalf of the Australian Human Rights Commission, will be accepted from tomorrow.

Over representation of young Indigenous people in the criminal justice system needs to be urgently addressed

20 Jun 2011 23:32:34 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has welcomed the release of a report which highlights over-representation of young Indigenous people in the criminal justice system as one of the most neglected but urgent issues to be addressed in efforts to overcome Indigenous disadvantage.

Involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every step of the way is the only way to bring about lasting change

20 Jun 2011 07:24:45 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be listened to when it comes to improving quality of life outcomes and better services in their communities, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Australia must continue to provide safe haven for those seeking hope and a future

20 Jun 2011 00:20:29 GMT

Australians should pause this World Refugee Day to reflect on the courage, resilience and contributions made to Australian society by more than 750,000 refugees who have found hope and a new home in Australia since the nation signed up to the United Nations Refugee Convention 60 years ago, the Australian Human Rights Commission said today.

Commission looks forward to working with Government to strengthen human rights protections

8 Jun 2011 23:56:28 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the Government’s response to recommendations made in the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council but is concerned that recommendations relating to Australia’s policy of mandatory and indefinite immigration detention were rejected.

Commissioner supports calls for equal rights to equal pay

8 Jun 2011 04:16:23 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the interim decision of Fair Work Australia on the country’s first equal pay test case under the new legislation.

Nominate now for the 2011 Human Rights Awards

6 Jun 2011 11:54:14 GMT

Nominations are now open for the 2011 Human Rights Awards.

There must be zero tolerance for abuse in the native title context

2 Jun 2011 11:53:26 GMT

‘Lateral violence’ is the name given to aggressive, bullying or harassing behaviour within communities that is often the result of disadvantage, discrimination and oppression and arises from working within a society that is not designed for ‘our way of doing things’, Commissioner Gooda will tell a native title conference in Brisbane today.

President reports on Mr NK v Commonwealth (Department of Immigration and Citizenship)

31 May 2011 06:58:23 GMT

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Catherine Branson QC, has released a report of her inquiry into a breach of human rights complaint made to the Australian Human Rights Commission by ‘Mr NK’. The report provides an important reminder that even those who have been convicted of serious criminal offences are entitled to have their human rights respected.

Sorry Day stands as a reminder of the need to do more

26 May 2011 00:24:48 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has called on Australians on national Sorry Day today to remember the grief, sorrow and ultimate resilience experienced by members of the Stolen Generations.

Self-harm and suicides in immigration detention are major concerns

25 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The apparent suicides of three men at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre last year and high rates of self-harm should sound urgent alarm bells about the impacts of Australia's immigration detention system, the Australian Human Rights Commission said today..

Passage of sex and age discrimination legislation amendment a great day

25 May 2011 12:21:59 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick said the passage of amendments to the Sex and Age Discrimination legislation was, largely, a great stride forward for women and men, as well as older people in Australia.

The time is right to unify the nation: let’s talk constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians

19 May 2011 12:20:33 GMT

Australians have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of the nation by participating in public consultations on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution, the Australian Human Rights Commission said today.

Human rights to take centre stage at Sydney Town Hall

18 May 2011 03:22:25 GMT

More than 1400 people have already registered for a major public event in Sydney next Monday where key contemporary Australian human rights issues will be discussed.

Time to take a stand against homophobia and transphobia

17 May 2011 02:42:22 GMT

There is no place in Australia for violence, harassment or bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex people President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC said today on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Indigenous health gains in Budget welcome, but Government must ensure Indigenous people benefit from new mental health money

11 May 2011 02:41:50 GMT

Close the Gap Campaign Co-chairs, Mick Gooda and Dr Tom Calma, have welcomed the new funding for Indigenous health, part of the $526 million in new Indigenous-specific spending in the Budget.

Commission raises concerns about sending asylum seekers to Malaysia

9 May 2011 04:25:00 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission recognises the need for regional and international cooperation on asylum seekers and supports the resettling in Australia of an increased number of refugees.

Sydney opportunity to hear first-hand from UN Human Rights Chief

6 May 2011 02:20:08 GMT

The UN High Commissioner For Human Rights, Her Excellency Navi Pillay, will be the guest of honour at a major public event to be hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission in Sydney on Monday, 23 May.

Federal protections needed against sexual orientation and sex/and or gender identity discrimination

3 May 2011 07:13:56 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission is today announcing details of its Review into the Australian Defence Force.

Details of Defence review announced

3 May 2011 06:35:38 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission is today announcing details of its Review into the Australian Defence Force.

Don’t Stand By, Stand Up

2 May 2011 13:59:00 GMT

Monday, 2 May 2011– Online youth mental health service, ReachOut.com, and the Australian Humans Rights Commission today launched a national campaign that calls on young people to create an anti-bullying pledge that highlights the importance of the bystander in preventing bullying.

Building changes mean those once locked out now have open doors

30 Apr 2011 14:41:38 GMT

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said today that 1 May 2011, the day the Disability (Access to Premises – buildings) Standards 2010 commenced, would be remembered as the day many people who had been traditionally locked out of public buildings in our community were finally let in.

Human Rights 2011 – coming to Sydney in May

21 Apr 2011 05:59:44 GMT

The UN High Commissioner For Human Rights, HE Excellency Navi Pillay, will be the guest of honour at a major public event to be hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission in Sydney on Monday, 23 May.

Newly elected Co-Chairs have a big responsibility

19 Apr 2011 06:03:33 GMT

Jody Broun’s and Les Malezer’s election as Co-Chairs of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples heralds the start of a new era for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Human rights set to become a stronger priority for business community

19 Apr 2011 03:58:46 GMT

A newly established human rights and business working group is making major headway in helping to put human rights on the agenda for the Australian business community, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC said today.

Twenty years on but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders continue to die in custody

12 Apr 2011 00:56:40 GMT

Too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being incarcerated when custody should be the last resort, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner to form Defence review panel

11 Apr 2011 07:33:30 GMT

The Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, will lead a review by the Australian Human Rights Commission of the treatment of women in the Australian Defence Force Academy and Australian Defence Force.

Efforts in Alice Springs should continue for communities to thrive

5 Apr 2011 07:39:35 GMT

Existing long-term investment in Alice Springs should be allowed to continue in order for the community to have a chance to once again thrive, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

500th Indigenous Land Use Agreement a good sign for principled agreement-making

1 Apr 2011 06:22:13 GMT

The registration this week of the 500th Indigenous Land Use Agreement is testament to the importance of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through agreement-making based on free, prior and informed consent, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

New guideline on Premises Standards released

30 Mar 2011 02:30:40 GMT

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today released a guideline that will assist building professionals and those concerned with access to better understand how the Premises Standards apply to new and upgraded public buildings.

Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Education could be life-changing

28 Mar 2011 05:26:59 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has welcomed the announcement last week that two of the Northern Territory’s educational institutions will partner to establish the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Education.

Trust built between Police and Australian Muslim communities

24 Mar 2011 20:05:32 GMT

Thirty eight projects that fostered community engagement between Muslim communities and Police have resulted in best practices that could be followed in communities all around Australia, Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes said today.

Freedom of religion and belief research report released

21 Mar 2011 06:48:18 GMT

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes has tonight released the Freedom of religion and belief in 21st century Australia report, the culmination of an extensive nationwide consultation process.

Harmony day: celebrate and reflect

21 Mar 2011 04:17:25 GMT

While attending the numerous multicultural festivals that are happening over the next week for Harmony Day, Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, urged people to think about the ways they can contribute to making Australia a more inclusive place to live.

Aboriginal man with intellectual disability languishes in WA prison for a decade

18 Mar 2011 07:04:56 GMT

The detention for 10 years in the WA prison system of an unconvicted Aboriginal man with an intellectual disability is nothing short of a disgrace, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Bullying: stand up and take action safely

18 Mar 2011 11:02:32 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes Australia’s first National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence and the launch of the revised National Safe Schools Framework.

Time to rethink our mandatory detention system

17 Mar 2011 17:52:55 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has expressed concern about the incidents on Christmas Island over the past few days, during which tear gas and ‘bean-bag bullets’ were used against asylum-seekers in immigration detention, as well as incidents in other detention facilities.

Work gender equality reforms welcomed

10 Mar 2011 16:52:49 GMT

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has welcomed the reforms of Australia’s equal opportunity in the workplace laws and agency, announced by the Minister for the Status of Women yesterday, noting that a number of recommendations made by the Australian Human Rights Commission and others had been taken up.

'People Power' crucial to closing the Indigenous Life Expectancy Gap

10 Mar 2011 16:51:54 GMT

Co-chairs of the Close the Gap Campaign, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and National Coordinator for Tackling Indigenous Smoking Dr Tom Calma, will today outline the crucial importance of 'people power' to Indigenous health equality.

Commission welcomes moves to improve complementary protection as a good first step

24 Feb 2011 16:57:10 GMT

Following the introduction into Federal Parliament today of the Migration Act Amendment (Complementary Protection) Bill 2011, the Australian Human Rights Commission has expressed support for the enactment of a complementary protection visa regime.

Multiculturalism policy welcomed

17 Feb 2011 13:16:53 GMT

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said the newly announced policy, The People of Australia: Australia’s Multicultural Policy is an important recognition that multiculturalism is not only in our national interest, but is a core part of our national identity.

National violence plan a landmark moment

15 Feb 2011 18:36:14 GMT

Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said Australia has taken a great stride forward in eliminating one of the greatest human rights abuses that exists in our country today by releasing the new National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Their Children 2010-2022.

Hot, dusty, remote location should not be used to detain children

15 Feb 2011 10:05:54 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission says it is seriously concerned about the impacts of prolonged and indefinite detention in remote locations, particularly on children, in a summary report to be released today.

National Disability Strategy welcomed as commitment to change for human rights

14 Feb 2011 18:45:55 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the endorsement of a National Disability Strategy by the Council of Australian Governments.

Survey gives hope for improved relationships with Australia’s First Peoples

14 Feb 2011 18:41:14 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says Reconciliation Australia’s 2010 Australian Reconciliation Barometer gives a sense of hope for continued improvements in the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

First Social Justice and Native Title Reports lay groundwork for year of change

11 Feb 2011 10:30:26 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda will launch his first Social Justice and Native Title Reports in Sydney today.

Australia commits to follow up on human rights recommendations

2 Feb 2011 12:54:14 GMT

Addressing racism, the rights of Indigenous peoples, a Human Rights Act and overturning the mandatory detention of asylum seekers are among the key recommendations made to Australia by the international community at a crucial UN meeting on human rights in Geneva.

Australia to appear before the United Nations Human Rights Council

27 Jan 2011 18:18:54 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission will be participating overnight in the Universal Periodic Review being held at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Full-time Commissioners set to boost efforts to overcome discrimination

27 Jan 2011 18:18:32 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed today’s announcement that Australia will soon have a full-time Race Discrimination Commissioner and a full-time Disability Discrimination Commissioner.

McCallum very deserving as Senior Australian of the Year

25 Jan 2011 18:17:52 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the appointment of Professor Ron McCallum AO as the 2011 Senior Australian of the Year.

Coordination and social research key to international student success

20 Jan 2011 11:49:55 GMT

The International Student Futures in Australia research paper, released today, calls for coordinated cross-Government policy responses, informed by strong social research to help address the likelihood of a sharp decline of Australia’s international education sector.

Cruise company granted exemption for ‘Schoolies’ concerns

12 Jan 2011 16:01:03 GMT

The Australian Human Rights Commission has granted a temporary exemption from provisions of the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (the ADA) to Carnival plc (trading as Carnival Australia), which operates 12 cruise brands including P&O Cruises Australia and Princess Cruises Australia.

December 2010 e-bulletin

20 Dec 2010 16:11:52 GMT

Welcome to the December issue of the Australian Human Rights Commission's monthly e-bulletin, where we will keep you up-to-date with our latest programs, projects and news. This is the final e-bulletin for 2010. The e-bulletin will return for 2011 in mid-February.

US support for Declaration brings international consensus on Indigenous rights

17 Dec 2010 15:00:04 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today the United States’ endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was a major breakthrough for Indigenous peoples around the world.

Concerns raised about Darwin immigration detention facilities

14 Dec 2010 12:31:59 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has raised concerns about the high numbers of families with children and unaccompanied minors being held for longer periods of time in immigration detention facilities in Darwin.

Help on hand to bring over 20 years of hard work to life

13 Dec 2010 18:22:20 +1100

Materials to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to understand and protect their rights were launched today in Sydney by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda.

Business takes up human rights

13 Dec 2010 15:31:58 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the launch of Australia’s first Human Rights Working Group for Business, established by the Global Compact Network Australia, a local network of the United Nations Global Compact.

Lifetime of dedication delivers Human Rights Medal to Thérèse Rein

10 Dec 2010 12:42:27 +1100

A lifetime of dedication to helping people reach their full potential has delivered the prestigious Human Rights Medal for 2010 to Thérèse Rein.

Winner of 2010 Human Rights Medal to be announced today

10 Dec 2010 12:41:05 +1100

A high profile Australian will be announced as winner of the prestigious Human Rights Medal for 2010 at a sold-out event at the Sheraton Hotel in Sydney today.

Far too many Australians are blighted by bullying behaviour

9 Dec 2010 12:02:12 +1100

Violence, harassment and bullying is damaging the lives of far too many Australians, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC, will outline tomorrow in her annual Human Rights Day Oration.

Implementing the Declaration will strengthen participation of Indigenous peoples

3 Dec 2010 14:57:34 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has joined with Indigenous People’s Organisations from 15 countries in the Asia Pacific Region in a bid to breathe life into the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Commissioner welcomes government commitment to electronic media access for people with hearing and vision impairment

3 Dec 2010 13:32:39 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes today welcomed the release of the final report into Access to Electronic Media for the Hearing and Vision Impaired by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Conroy.

Remembering Angus Downie and John Stott: Architects of accessible transport for Australia

1 Dec 2010 15:25:13 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission today honoured the memory of Mr Angus Downie and Mr John Stott, who both passed away this week.

16 Days: Commissioner reiterates call for National Plan

29 Nov 2010 14:39:27 +1100

As we enter the 16 Days Campaign tomorrow, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick has reiterated her call to the Australian Government to further their leadership in addressing violence against women in Australia by releasing the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

NSW Australian of the Year deserves high profile recognition

26 Nov 2010 15:02:29 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has congratulated Professor Larissa Behrendt on being named 2011 NSW Australian of the Year.

We can work together to stop violence against women

25 Nov 2010 15:56:30 +1100

Race and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said he was proud to stand with other men from around Australia and the world today as a White Ribbon Ambassador, drawing attention to the elimination of the scourge of violence against women.

Still more to do to protect children’s rights

19 Nov 2010 10:56:05 +1100

Tomorrow’s anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is a chance to highlight Australia’s international obligations to protect one of the most vulnerable groups in the country, the Australian Human Rights Commission said today.

Tickets selling fast for the 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards

18 Nov 2010 16:50:59 +1100

Tickets are selling fast for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s annual and Human Rights Medals and Awards Ceremony in Sydney on Friday, 10 December 2010. Commission President Catherine Branson QC, said attending the event always helped to build support and motivation for protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.

e-bulletin, November 2010

12 Nov 2010 16:50:06 +1100

Welcome to the November issue of the Australian Human Rights Commission's monthly e-bulletin, where we will keep you up-to-date with our latest programs, projects and news.

Human rights agencies call for action on UN racial discrimination report

11 Nov 2010 17:05:12 +1100

Australian human rights agencies have called for the full and prompt implementation of the recent UN CERD report on racial discrimination in Australia. At the annual meeting of the Australia and New Zealand Race Relations Roundtable, state and federal human rights commissioners welcomed the report and specifically called for action on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the protection of Indigenous languages, the provision of interpreter services and the development of a national anti-racism strategy.

Shortlists announced for 2010 Human Rights Awards

10 Nov 2010 17:02:54 +1100

Shortlists have been announced for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010 Human Rights Awards Commission President Catherine Branson QC, said the shortlists were judged from more than 200 high-quality entries nominated from around Australia.

Commitment to Constitutional recognition applauded

8 Nov 2010 17:55:23 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the announcement today by Prime Minister Julia Gillard that the Australian Government will establish an expert panel to work towards including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Constitution.

Unleashing the potential of Indigenous Australia

3 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +1100

The time is right for an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples take their rightful place and unleash their full potential in Australian society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has signalled today during an address at the National Press Club in Canberra.

International Student Strategy misses the mark

3 Nov 2010 12:16:37 +1100

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, welcomed today’s long awaited release of the International Student Strategy for Australia 2010-2014 as recognition from the Government that Australia benefits socially, culturally, diplomatically and economically from international students who choose to study here, though he said it overlooked key areas.

Webcast on improved building access

2 Nov 2010 16:48:26 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes today welcomed the launch of a webcast about important changes to do with accessibility in building design and construction.

Report calls for end to mandatory detention on Christmas Island

29 Oct 2010 06:00:37 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released its 2010 Christmas Island immigration detention report today and has again recommended an end to mandatory detention and offshore processing on Christmas Island.

Commission’s 2009-2010 Annual Report tabled today

28 Oct 2010 17:47:23 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009-10 Annual Report has been tabled in federal Parliament and is now available on the website at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/publications/annual_reports/2009_2010/

Social Justice Commissioner welcomes child protection approach in the NT

19 Oct 2010 16:52:31 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, has welcomed the report released yesterday by the Board of Inquiry into the NT's Child Protection system and congratulated the NT Government for its prompt response.

Plans to move children from immigration detention facilities welcomed

18 Oct 2010 16:51:43 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed today's announcement that the Australian Government will move some families and unaccompanied minors out of immigration detention facilities into community-based accommodation.

Tickets now on sale for 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards Ceremony

15 Oct 2010 15:38:06 +1100

Tickets are now on sale for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards Ceremony to be held in Sydney on Friday, 10 December.

Commissioner to examine international student experience

13 Oct 2010 14:54:03 +1100

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, will take part in a special plenary session, entitled A Diverse Australia: Racism, Multiculturalism and International Education, at the Australian International Education Conference at the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour at 4pm today.

Unchanged census results point to the need for continued radical change

6 Oct 2010 10:51:45 +1100

Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick today welcomed the release of the EOWA 2010 Women in Leadership Census, saying the results should be seen as a baseline against which we should be expecting dramatic improvements by the next census in 2012.

Deadline extended to nominate for Young People’s Human Rights Medal

1 Oct 2010 14:45:26 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has extended the deadline by one week for the 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards meaning nominations for the Young People’s Human Rights Medal will now be accepted up until close of business on Monday, 11 October 2010.

Report into discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal record tabled in Parliament

1 Oct 2010 14:01:31 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has found that the NSW Department of Education and Training’s decision to refuse employment to a teacher applicant constituted discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal record.

Introduction of legislation welcomed

30 Sep 2010 14:02:35 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the introduction into Parliament today of legislation that, if passed, will establish a stand-alone Age Discrimination Commissioner and strengthen the gender equality laws of Australia.

Time for a social movement to eradicate age discrimination

1 Oct 2010 10:49:37 +1000

The Commissioner responsible for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, released her Age discrimination - exposing the hidden barrier for mature age workers paper today, saying that age discrimination needed to be acknowledged and denounced before it can be removed from our workplaces and from our community.

Lifting the suspension of processing of Afghan asylum claims a positive step

30 Sep 2010 16:54:42 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission today welcomed the lifting of the suspension of processing of claims lodged by asylum seekers from Afghanistan, which was introduced by the Australian Government on 9 April 2010.

Lawyers take note - deadline extended by one week for Human Rights Awards

29 Sep 2010 17:05:24 +1000

Nominations for the 2010 Australian Human Rights Commission’s Human Rights Medals and Awards, including the Law Category, will now be accepted up until close of business on Monday, 11 October 2010.

One week extension to nominate for Human Rights Medals and Awards

29 Sep 2010 11:12:00 +1000

Nominations for the 2010 Australian Human Rights Commission’s Human Rights Medals and Awards will now be accepted up until close of business on Monday, 11 October 2010.

Commissioner congratulates Ken Wyatt as first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives

28 Sep 2010 17:12:48 +1000

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has congratulated the member for Hasluck, Mr Ken Wyatt on being the first Indigenous person elected to the House of Representatives.

United Nations Indigenous Rights Declaration worth celebrating, but now is the time for action

17 Sep 2010 14:28:47 +1000

In the lead-up to the third anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on 13 September, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commisscioner, Mick Gooda said we should celebrate the occasion but more needs to be done.

McCallum re-elected to UN treaty body

2 Sep 2010 14:22:33 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes expressed his pleasure today at the re-election of Professor Ron McCallum to the UN treaty body for the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

UN Committee urges more progress on race discrimination

27 Aug 2010 14:22:12 +1000

Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, welcomed today's report from the expert committee on the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The clock is ticking - nominate your human rights hero now

19 Aug 2010 14:21:24 +1000

Don’t leave it until the last minute to get your nominations in for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards, Commission President Catherine Branson QC, said today.

Australia can do better when it comes to protecting children’s rights

11 Aug 2010 19:33:48 +1000

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson QC, has today reiterated her call for Australia to go further in protecting the fundamental human rights of children.

Writers, readers, publishers and managers - are you a human rights hero?

2 Aug 2010 15:52:21 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission is calling on movers and shakers in the non-fiction literature world to nominate themselves for this year’s prestigious Literature (non-fiction) Award in the annual Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Under 25 and doing great things? Nominate for the Young People’s Human Rights Medal

27 Jul 2010 12:25:54 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission is encouraging young people who have made an outstanding contribution to advancing human rights in Australia, to nominate for the Young People’s Human Rights Medal.

Professor Solomon Encel

26 Jul 2010 15:57:47 +1000

It is with great sadness that the Australian Human Rights Commission notes the passing of Dr. Solomon Encel, Emeritus Professor of Sociology (Social Policy Research Centre) University of NSW.

Nominate now for the print media, television and radio Human Rights Awards

21 Jul 2010 16:43:21 +1000

Reporting on human rights issues in the media in an accurate, fair and thought provoking way is a challenging and complex task which the Australian Human Rights Commission recognises each year in its annual Human Rights Medals and Awards celebration.

Commissioner appears before CEDAW Committee at the UN

20 Jul 2010 15:16:04 +1000

The Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has appeared before the United Nations Committee on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in New York this week.

Great news at the movies for people with hearing or vision impairment

17 Jul 2010 10:30:25 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today applauded an agreement that will vastly improve provision of captions and audio description in cinemas, so that people who have previously been unable to enjoy going to the movies will have greater opportunity to do so.

Nominate a human rights hero in your community

16 Jul 2010 14:36:40 +1000

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, is calling on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around Australia to nominate themselves or others for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards.

International student report shows leadership

13 Jul 2010 10:54:31 +1000

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said today that the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and Universities Australia had exercised real leadership in committing to coordinate a series of policy workshops focusing on improving the safety, well being and experiences of international students in Australia.

Unique partnership on housing for our future: agreement launched

13 Jul 2010 10:47:37 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today joined leaders from the housing, government and community sectors to celebrate the launch of an agreement for working together to change the way we design and build our homes.

More detail needed on new asylum seeker policy

6 Jul 2010 17:42:08 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for further detail from the Government on the asylum seeker policy announced today, especially regarding the proposed regional processing centre in East Timor.

Nominate now for the law category in the 2010 Australian Human Rights Awards

6 Jul 2010 15:03:37 +1000

Nominations are now being called for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards which recognise and reward efforts to protect human rights in Australia. Commission President, Catherine Branson QC, has called on lawyers, or those working with them, to nominate for the prestigious Law Award.

UN body to promote equality for women an historic initiative

5 Jul 2010 15:01:00 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said today that the establishment of a single United Nations body to promote equality for women was momentous because it sent an international message that gender equality is and should be important to people and governments around the world.

Tell us who your human rights hero is and nominate them now

5 Jul 2010 15:38:29 +1000

Nominations are now being called for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Get behind the NAIDOC Week message and celebrate Indigenous Australia

3 Jul 2010 15:37:55 +1000

NAIDOC Week is a chance to celebrate the richness of Indigenous history, culture and achievements, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, said today on the eve of NAIDOC Week.

Bi-lingual resources launched for teaching human rights

3 Jul 2010 15:37:25 +1000

A set of human rights education resources in two languages were launched by Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, at the Victorian Community Languages Schools Conference, Home of language, culture and social inclusion in Melbourne today.

Successful Torres Strait regional sea claim a cause for celebration!

2 Jul 2010 17:20:48 +1000

Today’s decision by Justice Finn of the Federal Court of Australia to formally recognise the native title rights of Torres Strait Islanders in the Torres Strait Regional Sea Claim is a significant cause for celebration, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Close the Gap - Making it Happen

28 Jun 2010 16:23:04 +1000

A meeting with Prime Minister Julia Gillard is a priority to keep the Close the Gap health campaign moving forward, according to delegates at a national Indigenous health meeting.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner welcomes government reforms

25 Jun 2010 13:39:18 +1000

The Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick welcomed the introduction into Parliament yesterday of legislation to strengthen the gender equality laws of Australia.

Passage of NTER Amendments a step in the right direction

22 Jun 2010 12:20:46 +1000

Commissioner Innes, and Commissioner Gooda, said passage of the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act) Bill 2009 yesterday would go some way to lifting the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) and state and territory anti-discrimination laws in the Northern Territory.

World Refugee Day should remind us of our responsibilities to people seeking asylum

20 Jun 2010 10:17:26 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has used World Refugee Day today to remind Australians of the ongoing need for asylum seekers to be treated humanely.

African Australians: Experiences of discrimination

18 Jun 2010 11:17:53 +1000

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said today that equal opportunity and social inclusion are difficult for a great many African Australians in this country because they experience widespread direct and indirect racism as part of their daily lives.

After 30 years, PML finally delivered

18 Jun 2010 10:25:07 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, today congratulated the Australian Government and the Parliament on the passage of the Australia’s first Paid Parental Leave Scheme.

Blind people finally receive a secret ballot

17 Jun 2010 17:13:36 +1000

Graeme Innes, Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner, today thanked the government and Opposition for working together to pass an amendment to the Electoral Act, which will ensure the 300,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision finally have a secret ballot in Federal Elections.

Equal Pay for some of our most valuable workers long overdue

10 Jun 2010 18:10:50 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said it was extremely important that thousands of community sector workers across Australia marched in the National Day of Action for Equal Pay today to support the principle of equal pay for equal or comparable work.

NSW Premier commits to closing the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality

4 Jun 2010 17:47:15 +1000

The Close the Gap campaign today welcomed the commitment by both the NSW Government and Opposition to end Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health inequality in the state within a generation.

Human rights bills should strengthen protections for all Australians

2 Jun 2010 15:26:06 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the introduction into federal Parliament today of two bills improving parliamentary scrutiny of human rights.

Workplace mental health guide launched

27 May 2010 15:13:39 +1000

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, launched Workers with mental illness: a practical guide for managers at the Australian Employers Network on Disability Conference in Sydney today.

New partnership with Stolen Generations members welcomed

26 May 2010 11:38:35 +1000

The Stolen Generations’ Working Partnership announced today by the Federal Government is a welcome move that should go some way towards addressing the immediate and practical needs of Stolen Generations members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, said today on National Sorry Day.

Pod Rights episode 9

26 May 2010 11:38:52 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission releases instalment ninth of its first series of Pod Rights, a series of podcasts that will look at and delve into important issues in the human rights world.

Close the Gap Campaign gets behind National Palliative Care Week

24 May 2010 12:09:04 +1000

The Close the Gap Campaign for Indigenous Health Equality has used the start of National Palliative Care Week today to urge Indigenous health providers and Indigenous people to build capacity in their families and communities to talk about dying and death and where to find help.

Senate report: ‘Hear us’ - Now we need action

13 May 2010 17:07:52 +1000

Commissioner Innes and Commissioner Gooda have welcomed ‘Hear us’, the report of the Inquiry into Hearing Health by the Senate Community Affairs Committee, released today, for its focus on both Indigenous hearing health and employment opportunities for hearing-impaired Australians.

Enhanced focus on human rights education and community engagement programs

13 May 2010 16:41:58 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission will be focusing on building understanding and respect for rights through a range of community engagement and human rights education programs following recent announcements by the federal Government.

Budget Indigenous health initiatives positive, but plan for Indigenous Health equality still needed

12 May 2010 17:20:42 +1000

The Close the Gap Campaign has welcomed the federal Budget announcements of increased funding for aged care and sports and recreation in the Torres Strait Islands as well as the ongoing roll out of Opal Fuel, as positive contributions to Indigenous health.

A national children’s Commissioner would improve protection of children’s rights

12 May 2010 12:09:20 +1000

Establishing a national Commissioner for Children and Young People would be an important step in improving the protection of children’s rights in Australia, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC, said today.

Pod Rights episode 8

10 May 2010 23:05:39 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission releases installment eighth of its first series of Pod Rights, a series of podcasts that will look at and delve into important issues in the human rights world.

First phase of Sex Discrimination Act reform now assured

6 May 2010 18:25:08 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said today that she was pleased to see the Government response to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs' Effectiveness of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality report tabled in Parliament yesterday.

First National Executive is a milestone moment for Indigenous Australians

2 May 2010 14:03:11 +1000

Today’s announcement that the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples is ready to begin operations marks a new beginning for effective national representation of Australia’s First Peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

A roadmap to establishing a new federal multiculturalism policy

30 Apr 2010 13:59:18 +1000

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, welcomed the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council’s (AMAC) statement to government this morning, saying the Australian Human Rights Commission looks forward to working with the Government on a response that will deliver tangible benefits to all people in all communities around Australia.

Pod Rights episode 7

27 Apr 2010 13:51:51 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission releases installment seven of its first series of Pod Rights, a series of podcasts that will look at and delve into important issues in the human rights world.

Cyber-racism to go under the spotlight today

27 Apr 2010 10:57:19 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission and the Internet Industry Association are co-hosting a Cyber-racism Summit in Sydney today.

New teaching resources will help students understand human rights

22 Apr 2010 10:09:56 +1000

Teachers and students now have access to a new range of interactive human rights education resources, released by the Australian Human Rights Commission today.

Important steps to better protect human rights but substantial gaps remain

21 Apr 2010 11:45:38 +1000

Today’s federal government response to the National Human Rights Consultation Committee Report includes important steps to improve the understanding of human rights in Australia but has missed the opportunity to create an adequate national system of protection, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC said.

Male leaders build momentum for women in business

19 Apr 2010 13:56:58 +1000

A new leadership group of male CEOs and Chairmen, from a diverse set of Australian companies, has been formed to elevate the issue of women’s representation in the corporate sector on the national business agenda.

Pod Rights episode 6

12 Apr 2010 13:55:04 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission releases installment six of its first series of Pod Rights, a series of podcasts that will look at and delve into important issues in the human rights world.

New online network launched to protect Indigenous human rights

12 Apr 2010 08:54:53 +1000

A new website being launched today will bring together human rights advocates in an online network to share advice and best practice, and provide a one-stop-shop for information on international human rights treaties relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Commission welcomes important move to improve quality of care at GP visits

9 Apr 2010 17:00:48 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today welcomed the proposal of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) to ensure better access to medical care for people with a disability by making it mandatory for general practice surgeries to have height adjustable examination beds in order to meet industry standards.

Suspension of processing asylum seekers raises serious concerns

9 Apr 2010 18:18:10 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has expressed serious concerns at today’s announcement that the processing of new Sri Lankan and Afghani asylum seekers will be suspended, effective immediately.

Diabetes money welcomed but must reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

1 Apr 2010 17:39:54 +1100

The Close the Gap Campaign for Indigenous Health Equality has congratulated the federal government for the $436 million diabetes package announced yesterday but called for measures to ensure the funds reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Commissioner calls on all Australians to embrace the Declaration

1 Apr 2010 17:12:24 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, has called on all Australians to get behind the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and use it to improve programs, policy and legislative development in Australia.

Commitment to appoint an Independent National Security Monitor welcomed

19 Mar 2010 16:56:29 +1100

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC, today welcomed the passage of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Bill.

Harmony Day - an annual reminder that everybody belongs

19 Mar 2010 15:43:16 +1100

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, encourages all Australians to celebrate our nation’s rich cultural and religious diversity this Sunday - and, indeed, every day of the year.

Funding package should train Indigenous doctors and specialists

16 Mar 2010 17:29:50 +1100

Mick Gooda and Tom Calma, co- Chairs of the Close the Gap Campaign for Indigenous Health Equality, have welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a $632 million doctors and specialists training package, but have called for a portion of the extra funds to be targeted to specific and focused initiatives to train Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and specialists.

Acknowledging traditional owners is an accepted sign of respect

15 Mar 2010 17:29:57 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has rejected the idea that acknowledging traditional owners is tokenistic, saying it is an accepted mark of respect.

NT communities must have same protections as the rest of Australia

15 Mar 2010 17:29:28 +1100

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner have today called on the Australian Parliament to ensure that residents of the 73 prescribed communities in the Northern Territory have the same protections against discrimination as the rest of Australia.

Building access standards an investment in the future

15 Mar 2010 11:29:11 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said today’s launch by the federal government of proposed new standards for access to public buildings for people with a disability was a significant step towards making our buildings safer and more accessible for everyone.

Commission welcomes passage of law outlawing torture and prohibiting the death penalty

11 Mar 2010 16:34:04 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission today welcomed the passage of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Torture Prohibition and Death Penalty Abolition) Bill 2009 which criminalises torture and prohibits the death penalty.

Equal pay campaign kicks off with national test case

11 Mar 2010 09:50:54 +1100

Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, welcomed today’s launch of the Australian Services Union test case in Fair Work Australia - the country’s first equal pay test case under the new legislation.

300,000 Australians to get secret ballot

9 Mar 2010 17:55:53 +1100

Graeme Innes, Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner, is among the 300,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision that may finally have a secret ballot in Federal Elections, thanks to changes to the Electoral Act that were tabled in Parliament today by the federal government.

Commissioner takes to the road to find the most pressing concerns

5 Mar 2010 16:37:12 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, hopes to gather first hand information on the most pressing concerns and the most innovative solutions being developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when he takes to the road next week to meet with key organisations and community leaders around Australia.

Recognition in Queensland’s Constitution another milestone for reconciliation

25 Feb 2010 16:43:05 +1100

Passage of legislation in the Queensland Parliament yesterday recognising Indigenous people as the first Queenslanders in the preamble to the State’s Constitution, was one more milestone in the country’s reconciliation journey, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said today.

Anti-violence Vindaloo initiative sends a powerful message

24 Feb 2010 17:21:12 +1100

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said that today’s Vindaloo Against Violence day sends an important symbolic message to the wider Australian community, and to the world, that the people of Melbourne and Australia do not support or condone violence against Indian people in any way.

Commission welcomes new Social Justice Commissioner

12 Feb 2010 12:42:02 +1100

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC, has welcomed Mr Mick Gooda who commenced his five-year term with the Commission as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner last week.

Inquiry should focus on alternatives to incarcerating Indigenous people

4 Feb 2010 10:07:01 +1100

Incoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, has welcomed the first public hearing of the House of Representatives Standing Committee inquiry into the high level of involvement of Indigenous juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system.

Pod Rights goes live today

1 Feb 2010 18:46:57 +1100

Today the Australian Human Rights Commission is proud to release instalment 1 of its first series of Pod Rights, a series of podcasts that will look at and delve into important issues in the human rights world.

Staying in the workforce in mature age: it’s about choice

1 Feb 2010 18:16:52 +1100

Welcoming the government’s announcement today of an initial $43 million package of measures that give priority to supporting mature age workplace participation, Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, said it was vital that these measures allow mature age workers real choice.

Commissioner Calma leaves lasting legacy in Indigenous affairs and race relations

25 Jan 2010 16:36:44 +1100

"Commissioner Tom Calma has made outstanding contributions to human rights protections in Indigenous affairs and race relations during his five and a half years with the Australian Human Rights Commission," Commission President Cathy Branson QC said today.

Commissioner Calma's final Social Justice and Native Title reports point to optimistic future

22 Jan 2010 15:34:21 +1100

A marked shift in the Indigenous policy landscape since the National Apology to the Stolen Generations continues to gain momentum and signals a more inclusive and promising future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Commissioner Calma welcomes first UN publication on the state of the world's indigenous peoples

15 Jan 2010 11:35:20 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, today welcomed the launch of the United Nation's first report on The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

Inaugural Ethics Council up and running

4 Jan 2010 16:11:22 +1100

Members of the Ethics Council responsible for developing and maintaining standards of the new representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, have been announced today by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma.

Commissioner welcomes Native Title negotiations for the Noongar people

18 Dec 2009 13:09:53 +1100

The West Australian Government’s decision to begin negotiations to resolve native title over Perth and the south west of the state was long-awaited good news for the Noongar peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Fix the raw airline deal for Australians with disability

17 Dec 2009 09:43:29 +1100

With the release of the Australian Government’s Aviation White Paper today, Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, urged the government to ensure airlines and airports have self regulating access facilitation plans for equal treatment of people with disability in place by mid 2010, or face government regulation if they don’t.

Human rights lawyers win recognition at annual awards

10 Dec 2009 15:15:06 +1100

The winner of the prestigious Human Rights Medal for 2009 has been announced today as Stephen Keim SC.

Awards showcase watershed year for protecting human rights in Australia

10 Dec 2009 15:13:07 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has today announced the winner of the prestigious Human Rights Medal for 2009 as Stephen Keim SC.

ASX announcement a major turning point for women

7 Dec 2009 18:09:13 +1100

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick said that the announcement made by the ASX Corporate Governance Council this afternoon, requiring companies to set measurable objectives for the achievement of gender diversity, was an historic development.

Jetstar called on to give better service to people with disability

3 Dec 2009 14:22:59 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, have called for Jetstar to meet with them as a matter of urgency after reports that a visually-impaired man was turned away from a Jetstar flight because of his guide dog.

Disability: coming soon to a person near you

3 Dec 2009 11:31:24 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, said that people should pause today to consider that more than 20% of Australians experience some form of disability. That is one in five people. This means disability is something close to all of us.

Goldman Sachs report supports value of women

1 Dec 2009 15:03:00 +1100

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said that the Goldman Sachs report released yesterday proved that closing the gap between levels of male and female workplace participation would be a financially astute move for Australia.

Get your tickets now to the 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards ceremony

27 Nov 2009 11:32:03 +1100

Only one more week remains to purchase tickets to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards ceremony.

Commissioner looks forward to better media access

26 Nov 2009 10:43:54 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today welcomed the release of a report on proposed approaches to improving access to TV, cinema, DVD and internet downloads for people with a disability, and encouraged people to provide their views on how we should move forward.

Pay equity report an indicator of gender inequality

25 Nov 2009 12:48:39 +1100

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, welcomed yesterday’s release of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment and Workplace Relations’ report, saying it yet again highlighted the urgent and overdue need to close the growing gender pay gap.

Reinstating the RDA in the Northern Territory welcomed

25 Nov 2009 11:57:21 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government that it will reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) in the Northern Territory in 2010.

Women on boards: AICD sends the right message

24 Nov 2009 10:18:02 +1100

Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said she was encouraged by the leadership shown by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) today, which called on all companies to be proactive by increasing the number of women on boards and at senior management levels.

Social Inclusion Week spotlights the need to think inclusively

23 Nov 2009 17:01:43 +1100

The Australian Human Right Commission welcomes today’s launch of Social Inclusion Week. Commission President Cathy Branson said the week provided an opportunity to celebrate our commitment to creating an Australia where everyone can get a ‘fair go’.

New National Congress of Australia's First Peoples announced

23 Nov 2009 09:55:06 +1100

Tom Calma, Chair of the Steering Committee charged with establishing the new national Indigenous representative body, has today announced that the new organisation will be called the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.

Law Award shortlist announced

20 Nov 2009 13:52:53 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has today announced the shortlist for the Law Award category of the 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Anniversary calls for new national Children’s Commissioner

20 Nov 2009 09:56:57 +1100

Today’s 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the perfect time to revisit the idea of establishing a national Children’s Commissioner, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC, said today.

Commission welcomes outlawing of torture and prohibition of the death penalty

19 Nov 2009 15:24:50 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the introduction today of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Torture Prohibition and Death Penalty Abolition) Bill 2009, as a landmark piece of legislation in Australia’s Human Rights protections.

Apology an important step forward in the healing process

16 Nov 2009 12:11:01 +1100

Today’s Apology to the 500,000 forgotten Australians and former child migrants for the appalling treatment they suffered in institutional care last century, marks an important step in the healing process for these individuals and the nation, the Australian Human Rights Commission said today.

Ensuring income management respects race and human rights

13 Nov 2009 11:46:03 +1100

People across Australia will be able to assist the development of an important tool for governments when the Australian Human Rights Commission releases its Draft guidelines for ensuring income management measures are compliant with the Racial Discrimination Act for comment and feedback today.

Shortlists announced for 2009 Human Rights Awards

11 Nov 2009 15:54:25 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has today announced the shortlists for the 2009 Human Rights Awards. Commission President Cathy Branson, said the shortlists were judged from more than 200 high-quality entries nominated from around Australia.

Failing to address Indigenous hearing health damages lives

11 Nov 2009 10:32:20 +1100

As part of the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into Hearing Health in Australia, the Australian Race and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today urged the Australian Government to increase action against the disproportionately high incidence of hearing impairment and deafness among Indigenous peoples.

Pay equity test case extremely important

5 Nov 2009 17:29:52 +1100

The Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, today welcomed the Australian Government’s agreement with the Australian Services Union, which represents social and community services workers, to support the first federal test case on pay equity for community sector employees under the new Fair Work system.

COMMUNIQUÉ: Human rights of international students a major issue

5 Nov 2009 15:52:31 +1100

The rights of international students are a significant human rights concern for national, state and territory human rights commissions in Australia and New Zealand.

Commissioners at the annual Australia and New Zealand Race Relations Roundtable, held in Sydney this week, view recent instances of racial harassment, abuse and violence directed at international students as symptoms of a whole range of human rights issues that need to be addressed, including their rights to non discrimination, equality of treatment, security of the person, access to justice, housing, information, freedom of religion and culture, and labour rights.

Culture strong and improvements welcome, but the gap remains wide

30 Oct 2009 16:56:00 +1100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, has welcomed the release today of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey 2008 (NATSISS) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Tickets now on sale for 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards Ceremony

30 Oct 2009 14:07:22 +1100

Tickets are now on sale for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards Ceremony to be held in Sydney on 10 December.

Australian Human Rights Commission 2008-09 Annual Report tabled

29 Oct 2009 16:51:23 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2008-09 Annual Report has been tabled in federal Parliament and is now available on the website at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/publications/annual_reports/2008_2009/

Racial equality: Time to get back to basics for our future

29 Oct 2009 10:19:25 +1100

In his speech at the FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia) 2009 Biennial Conference in Victoria today, federal Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, calls for racial equality to be put firmly back on the national agenda.

Commission welcomes partnership on housing

28 Oct 2009 17:55:28 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated leaders from the housing and community sector who have met and committed to developing a national strategy to improve the design of houses to meet the changing needs of families.

Report of human rights breaches tabled in Parliament

28 Oct 2009 13:52:08 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has found the that Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship breached the human rights of Mr Ahmed El Masri under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), in a report tabled in federal Parliament today.

Australian Human Rights Commission releases Christmas Island report

23 Oct 2009 15:11:41 +1100

Legitimate concerns about people smuggling should not cause Australia to depart from its international human rights obligations to treat asylum seekers humanely and with fairness, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC said today.

Acknowledging cultural diversity is essential for Australia’s future

22 Oct 2009 17:27:44 +1100

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today urged the Australian Government to note the recommendations about cultural diversity contained in UNESCO’s World Report entitled Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue, launched this week in Paris.

For people with a physical disability, it is time for a simple change that will provide equality in GP visits

21 Oct 2009 16:35:54 +1100

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today called on the Royal College of General Practitioners (RACGP) to ensure equality in access to medical care for people with a disability by making it mandatory for GP surgeries to have height adjustable examination beds.

Will Australia join the rest of the Western world and agree to a national charter of fundamental rights and values?

19 Oct 2009 12:33:51 +1100

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC, addresses this question in an audio presentation now part of Australia21’s ‘Next Big Question’ project - which asks Australians what they consider to be the Next Big Question.

Come together online, discuss our multicultural society

16 Oct 2009 12:10:51 +1100

From today, Australians will have the opportunity to contribute to the growing conversation about our multicultural society by logging onto the Human Rights and Cultural Diversity e-Forum, which will be launched at Customs House at Circular Quay in Sydney at 4pm.

Choice of Australia to host arts summit has wider cultural significance

9 Oct 2009 17:22:06 +1100

Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has warmly welcomed the recent announcement that the Australia Council for the Arts will host the 5th International World Summit on Arts and Culture in Melbourne in October 2011.

Let’s act on report recommendations and bring human rights home

8 Oct 2009 12:41:47 +1100

The Australian Human Rights Commission has today welcomed the release of National Human Rights Consultation Committee’s Report.

Indigenous community leaders urged to set anti smoking example

6 Oct 2009 15:46:21 +1100

Smoking is a scourge and among the most important health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, will tell the Oceania Tobacco Control 09, Reducing Inequality through Tobacco Control Conference in Darwin tomorrow.

Nominations for Human Rights Medals and Awards extended by one week

2 Oct 2009 13:22:20 +1000

Due to demand, the Australian Human Rights Commission is extending the deadline for nominations for this year’s Human Rights Medals and Awards by one week with the closing date now Friday, 9 October.

Ten days to nominate for 2009 Australian Human Rights Medals and Awards

23 Sep 2009 16:07:12 +1000

There’s only 10 days left to nominate for the Australian Human Rights Medals and Awards with the closing date on Friday, 2 October rapidly appoaching.

Need for strong action to progress gender equality in business made clear by report

22 Sep 2009 17:32:25 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick today congratulated the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women on the release of their Women Getting Into Boards Report 2009, released today.

Show the ‘race card’ and then act to address it, says Race Discrimination Commissioner

17 Sep 2009 16:59:53 +1000

Race Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes has today outlined some initiatives that the Australian community could take in the wake of recent reports of racial violence.

What's Happening at the Commission: 17 - 23 September 2009

17 Sep 2009 15:51:33 +1000

Following is an update on what the Australian Human Rights Commission and its President (The Hon Catherine Branson QC) and Commissioners (Graeme Innes AM, Tom Calma and Elizabeth Broderick) will be doing over the next week.

Time is running out to nominate for the 2009 Young People’s Human Rights Medal

16 Sep 2009 16:11:18 +1000

People aged 25 years or under (as of 3 July) who have made outstanding contributions to advancing human rights in Australia should hurry to get their nominations in for the 2009 Young People’s Human Rights Medal before nominations close on 2 October, Australian Human Rights Commission President Cathy Branson QC, said today.

Time is running out to nominate for the 2009 Young People’s Human Rights Medal

16 Sep 2009 11:50:41 +1000

What's Happening at the Commission: 10 - 16 September 2009

10 Sep 2009 17:34:01 +1000

Virgin Blue becomes more accessible

10 Sep 2009 17:21:03 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today congratulated Virgin Blue Airlines on the increased accessibility of their airline for Australians with disabilities.

Multiculturalism report: policy for a successful future

10 Sep 2009 17:01:35 +1000

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today strongly endorsed statements made by Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, the Hon Laurie Ferguson MP, about the new report, Perceptions of Multiculturalism and Security in Victoria.

Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the removal of the 45-day rule for bridging visas and abolition of immigration detention debt

9 Sep 2009 16:49:32 +1000

The President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Commissioner, Catherine Branson, today welcomed two key changes in the federal government’s treatment of asylum seekers and immigration detainees: the removal of the so-called ‘45-day rule’ which restricted access to work rights for bridging visa holders; and the abolition of detention debt for most immigration detainees.

Only four weeks left to nominate for the 2009 Australian Human Rights Medals and Awards

4 Sep 2009 12:43:42 +1000

Australian Human Rights Commission President Cathy Branson QC has today urged human rights advocates to nominate themselves or others for this year’s Human Rights Medals and Awards ahead of the closing date on Friday, 2 October.

Does imprisonment give good value for money?

28 Aug 2009 13:55:01 +1000

Our current way of dealing with Indigenous young offenders is not working and it’s time to take a whole new approach, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, will tell a major conference on Indigenous young people, crime and justice in Sydney on Monday (31 August).

Radical new approach announced for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs

27 Aug 2009 12:45:33 +1000

A new representative body independent from government, with an equal number of men and women in leadership roles and reliance on strict ethical standards are among the key elements of a ground-breaking new approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs proposed today by a Steering Committee led by Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma.

What's Happening at the Commission: 27 August - 02 September 2009

26 Aug 2009 18:40:00 +1000

Recession: no reason to forget about gender equality

24 Aug 2009 17:29:43 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said today that the recession made it more important than ever for the Government and business to stay focussed on gender equality.

Australian business needs to do more for women

21 Aug 2009 09:37:05 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said the Survey into Paid Maternity Leave, Sex-Based Harassment Initiatives and the Gender Pay Gap, released today by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA), drives home again the need for stronger efforts to deliver gender equality in the workplace.

What's Happening at the Commission: 20 - 26 August 2009

19 Aug 2009 17:11:53 +1000

Calling all lawyers - nominate for the Australian Human Rights Awards

19 Aug 2009 11:04:34 +1000

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, is calling for nominations from the legal profession for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Government support for community alcohol restrictions in WA is integral to success

13 Aug 2009 18:12:27 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, welcome Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin's support for the women in Laverton, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, who have been tirelessly advocating for alcohol restrictions in order to improve the health of their communities and address the associated levels of violence.

Board diversity solutions need to go further

13 Aug 2009 18:01:35 +1000

Although the Diversity on Boards of Directors report, released today, is useful in furthering discussion about the lack of female representation in leadership in the private sector, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, said she is concerned a number of the suggestions in the report have already been tried, and have failed to deliver a better gender mix on Boards.

Native title should be protected at all costs

13 Aug 2009 17:15:33 +1000

Claims by the West Australian Government that native title legislation will ‘block’ it from building new houses were false and misleading, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

What's Happening at the Commission: 13 - 19 July 2009

12 Aug 2009 16:00:22 +1000

Plan to rescue threatened Indigenous languages applauded

11 Aug 2009 17:27:54 +1000

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has welcomed the $9.3 million announced by federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin, to help save more than 100 threatened Indigenous languages.

Commissioner urges calm in wake of terrorism arrests

7 Aug 2009 14:33:09 +1000

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has today added his voice to calls for calm amidst claims of a racial backlash against the Somali community in the wake of the recent terrorism-related arrests.

Marrickville Council leads on access issues (7 August 2009)

7 Aug 2009 10:50:59 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today announced a partnership project between the Australian Human Rights Commission and Marrickville Council in NSW designed to improve access to buildings in the council area for people with a disability.

World Indigenous Day the perfect time to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

7 Aug 2009 10:14:53 +1000

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be the central players in developing policies that affect them, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today, ahead of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People this Sunday, (9 August).

If you are 45, get ready for age discrimination to affect your employability

6 Aug 2009 12:05:48 +1000

In a speech to the Australian Institute of Family Studies today, Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, emphasised the fact that age discrimination is likely to touch the lives of most people earlier than they think, because the official age at which a person is considered to be a mature age worker is 45.

What's Happening at the Commission: 6 - 12 August 2009

6 Aug 2009 10:50:14 +1000

Australian Human Rights Commission

5 Aug 2009 11:02:51 +1000

The former Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission will be legally known as the Australian Human Rights Commission from 5 August 2009. The Commission changed its operating name to the Australian Human Rights Commission last year as part of updating its corporate identity. As of 5 August, however, the change becomes law. The new name reflects the fact that the Commission is Australia's national human rights institution with the responsibility to protect and promote human rights throughout all Australia. The Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Act 2009 (Cth) has also changed the name of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth) to the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) and made some changes to the procedure for complaints of unlawful discrimination brought under that Act. The amending legislation has also made a range of changes to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) that improve protections against discrimination for people with disability. For further information see: www.humanrights.gov.au

25th Birthday wishes for the SDA: Let’s make it stronger

3 Aug 2009 17:09:07 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, is celebrating the crucial role of the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act, which turned 25 on Saturday. However, she said the Act is now in need of serious reform if it is to contribute to gender equality in the future.

New commitment to accountability for human rights of people with disabilities welcomed

30 Jul 2009 11:59:45 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the Australian Government's announcement today that Australia will become a party to the Optional Protocol to the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Disability Convention).

Experience Works report highlights our hidden age discrimination problem

30 Jul 2009 11:44:30 +1000

Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, expressed deep concern today in response to the National Seniors Australia Experience Works report, which makes it clear that mature age workers face a multitude of barriers to employment, including age discrimination.

What's Happening at the Commission: 30 July - 5 August 2009

30 Jul 2009 10:16:32 +1000

Indigenous health must be treated as a priority in health reform

28 Jul 2009 17:11:51 +1000

The Close the Gap Campaign has welcomed release of the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission (NHHRC) Report and its recognition of Indigenous health as a priority issue.

Commissioner Tom Calma extended as Social Justice Commissioner for six months

16 Jul 2009 11:26:32 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the six-month extension to the term of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, confirmed by the federal government this week.

What's Happening at the Commission: 23 - 29 July 2009

23 Jul 2009 10:28:01 +1000

What's Happening at the Commission: 16 - 22 July 2009

17 Jul 2009 09:40:20 +1000

Women successfully drive community solutions to alcohol in Fitzroy Valley

14 Jul 2009 16:45:52 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, congratulated the women of the Fitzroy Valley today for their courage, strength and determination in the solutions they have put forward to rebuild their community after many years of alcohol abuse.

2009 Australian Human Rights Medal and Award nominations now open

7 Jul 2009 16:29:53 +1000

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, has today officially opened Australia’s premier event in honour of individuals and organisations who have made outstanding efforts to protect human rights in Australia by calling for nominations for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards.

Report highlights need for things to be done differently

2 Jul 2009 17:00:05 +1000

Today’s Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report shows little progress has been made in closing the gap for Indigenous people but provides the strongest argument yet for the need for a new way of working with Indigenous people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has said.

The Great Debate - Does Australia need a Charter of Rights?

2 Jul 2009 10:50:01 +1000

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, will argue for the protection of the most vulnerable Australians to be a paramount concern when she debates the merits of an Australian Human Rights Act at Parliament House in Canberra today.

Will COAG deliver on Indigenous health?

2 Jul 2009 10:49:34 +1000

The Close the Gap campaign will be watching tomorrow’s Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Darwin to see if governments commit to genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Sexual orientation and gender identity: national poll shows support for new anti-discrimination laws

2 Jul 2009 10:49:10 +1000

Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today welcomed the results of a new national poll that found Australians support the introduction of laws that would prohibit discrimination against people on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Commissioner roles change from 12 July 2009

26 Jun 2009 17:03:02 +1000

As announced by the federal Attorney-General today, there are a number of changes to statutory roles within the Australian Human Rights Commission, effective 12 July 2009. The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes these changes.

Advances in disability and human rights legislation welcomed

26 Jun 2009 10:25:47 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed two major initiatives today for human rights of people with disability and their families.

Deadline extended for African Australians project

24 Jun 2009 16:22:03 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has extended the deadline for its national consultation with African Australians by one month.

Story-telling the way to aspiration and self esteem

22 Jun 2009 16:25:01 +1000

The Wakakirri Outback Festival which kicks off in Broken Hill today aims to improve understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures among the broader Australian community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Wakakirri Patron, Tom Calma said today.

Let’s not wait another two years to get it right

21 Jun 2009 10:17:02 +1000

Open and genuine consultation driven by a desire for trusting, long-term relationships with Aboriginal people must be central to federal government consultations in the 73 prescribed communities affected by the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today, two years after the intervention was announced.

We must not forget the displaced peoples of the world

20 Jun 2009 10:27:13 +1000

Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes and Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma commended the Australian Government today, World Refugee Day, on restating its commitment this week to meeting its international obligations to refugees from around the world.

For trafficked people, Government changes put human rights first

17 Jun 2009 10:57:55 +1000

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Catherine Branson QC and Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, praised the federal government’s changes to the Support for Victims of People Trafficking Program and the People Trafficking Visa Framework today as humanitarian and compassionate improvements which will help people recover from appalling violations of their basic human rights.

Report allows us to go forward on building access for people with disability

16 Jun 2009 10:58:43 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has welcomed the report of the House Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs inquiry into the draft Premises Standards, urging the Government to adopt the Committee’s recommendations and proceed to finalise the standards as soon as possible.

Commission makes recommendation for an Australian Human Rights Act

16 Jun 2009 11:02:23 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has lodged its submission to the National Human Rights Consultation, formalising its key recommendation that the Australian Parliament should enact a national Human Rights Act.

Making the education revolution accessible for everyone

5 Jun 2009 11:03:08 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated the Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and her Department on the preparation of a fact sheet on the interaction of proposed new Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards) and the Building the Education Revolution (BER) program.

From self-respect comes dignity and from dignity comes hope

5 Jun 2009 12:25:07 +1000

Seventeen years have passed since the Mabo case overturned the long-held legal untruth of terra nullius in Australia, but many more truths still remain to be embraced if we are to honour the legacy of Koiki Mabo, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma will say tonight when he delivers the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission’s prestigious Mabo Oration 2009.

AFL scores another goal by extending vilification policy

3 Jun 2009 12:31:05 +1000

Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated the Australian Football League (AFL) for extending its racial and religious vilification policy to cover disabilities and sexual orientation.

Attacks on international students have racial underpinning

2 Jun 2009 12:33:03 +1000

Attacks against international students in Australia are disturbing and should sound alarm bells for the Australian community about the life threatening extremes to which racial prejudice can extend, Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Mabo’s warrior-like leadership still needed 17 years on from landmark case

2 Jun 2009 12:35:06 +1000

Tomorrow’s 17th anniversary of the landmark Mabo native title decision remains a cause for celebration but Mabo’s warrior-like leadership is still needed to secure improvements to the Native Title Act and the flow on benefits this will bring to Indigenous people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

New English teaching resource also aims to protect rights

28 May 2009 12:38:10 +1000

A new resource using real life stories to teach English and human rights awareness has been launched in Canberra today by Federal Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland.

More accurate reporting needed to address life expectancy gap

26 May 2009 13:01:28 +1000

New data indicating that the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous is approximately 10 years and not the 17-years previously estimated, highlights the need for new ways to identify Indigenous people from death records, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Sorry Day still highlights need for ongoing efforts

26 May 2009 12:55:37 +1000

The power and meaning embodied in this year’s National Sorry Day should motivate us to maintain our national efforts to achieve healing for members of the Stolen Generations and their families and to make headway in developing a national compensation scheme, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Australia agrees to make sure that all people in detention are treated well

22 May 2009 12:58:28 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes today’s announcement by the federal Attorney-General that Australia has signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Removing racial prejudice increases chances of success

21 May 2009 13:41:26 +1000

True consultation with Aboriginal people is the only way to improve life outcomes and to create safe environments for women and children on an ongoing basis, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today while welcoming the federal government’s Future Directions for the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) consultation.

Look at the benefits of Homelands living before moving to shut them down

21 May 2009 13:42:37 +1000

The Working Future policy announced by the Northern Territory Government yesterday appears aimed at reducing support to Homelands and driving these residents to move to the 20 proposed Hub Communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Final stage of consultations for a national Indigenous representative body

14 May 2009 13:43:55 +1000

Key questions to be resolved for finalising the model for a new national Indigenous representative body will be distributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this week as the final consultation stage on the model gets underway.

Budget initiatives welcomed but real engagement crucial

13 May 2009 13:44:35 +1000

The $200 million injection into Indigenous health in the Federal Budget builds on the Government’s unprecedented commitments over the past year, but significant investment is still needed to ensure the government stays on target to Close the Gap, Chair of the Campaign Steering Committee, Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Redevelopment of Villawood should be for detention as last resort

12 May 2009 13:45:18 +1000

Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes has welcomed tonight’s federal budget announcement of $186.3 million funding for the redevelopment of Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney over five years.

After 30 years, PML finally in: a great first step

11 May 2009 13:50:51 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has applauded the federal government’s announcement that funding for paid parental leave will be included in Tuesday’s budget, with a commencement date of 1 January 2011.

Constitution poses no obstacle to national Human Rights Act

6 May 2009 13:51:51 +1000

Concerns that a national Human Rights Act would fall foul of the Constitution can be confidently put aside, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Cathy Branson QC said today.

And the cinema access Oscar goes to ...

4 May 2009 13:52:31 +1000

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, on her announcement that 12 independent cinemas in Australia will now offer captions and audio description services to Australians with a hearing or vision impairment.

Working together in new partnerships will set new agenda for Indigenous Australia and build a stronger nation

4 May 2009 13:53:31 +1000

Momentous events in Indigenous affairs over the last year bode well for a new era in Indigenous affairs but the current economic downturn signals real challenges ahead, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Leadership in reducing violence against women welcomed

1 May 2009 13:54:16 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Australian Government that it will develop a National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women in response to the Time for Action report from the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children.

Climate change: risks and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

30 Apr 2009 14:00:10 GMT

Climate change poses a major threat to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands, waters and resources in Australia but also provides new opportunities in emerging carbon markets, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, has said in the Native Title Report 2008 which was tabled today.

Reports show way forward for new partnership between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

30 Apr 2009 14:01:17 +1000

The federal government should take six major steps over the next 18 months to better protect the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to progress a new agenda for Indigenous affairs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has said in the Social Justice Report 2008 tabled today.

Statement from the Australian Human Rights Commission re: the Durban Review Conference 2009

23 Apr 2009 14:02:04 +1000

The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent body with a legislative mandate, under the Racial Discrimination Act, to combat racial discrimination and prejudices that lead to racial discrimination.

New projects set to build bridges between police and Muslim communities

17 Apr 2009 14:02:43 +1000

Nineteen new projects to cement good relationships and build trust between Muslim communities and police services have been announced today by national Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma.

Workshop paints broad vision for planned national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

17 Apr 2009 14:23:53 +1000

A self-determining and independent body which does not deliver services and has equal representation of men and women are among the consensus points reached at a three-day workshop in Adelaide last month (11- 13 March) to lay the groundwork for a new national Indigenous representative body, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Build for Life housing initiative welcomed

14 Apr 2009 14:26:13 +1000

Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today congratulated the Victorian Government on its announcement of the Build for Life awareness campaign, which will include consideration of mandating greater accessibility in new housing developments.

Survey reinforces that Australians want paid parental leave

9 Apr 2009 14:27:01 +1000

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, called on the federal government today to take note of the results of a poll in which Australians overwhelmingly said they thought funding for a paid parental leave scheme should be Incorporated in the next federal budget.

United we stand - Support for United Nations Indigenous Rights Declaration a watershed moment for Australia

3 Apr 2009 14:29:11 +1000

This morning’s formal support from the Australian Government for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is likely to go down in history as a watershed moment in Australia’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Close the Gap

2 Apr 2009 14:31:19 +1000

Rugby League today became the first national sporting code to pledge its support for a national action plan to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians.

To really give rights to Indigenous people we must first Close the Gap

2 Apr 2009 14:32:01 +1000

The historic formal statement of support from the federal government for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples occurring this Friday should be backed immediately with a comprehensive national action plan to Close the Gap in health equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.

Funding for housing a major step forward to close the gap

24 Mar 2009 16:46:41 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has welcomed the $5.5 billion National Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing announced by the federal government.