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Rights and Freedoms

Respect@Work – a focus on our profession

This paper considers the amendments to laws regarding workplace bullying and sexual harassment and the employer’s responsibility implementing recommendations of the Commission’s Respect@Work report (2020).

Category, Speech
Sex Discrimination

Support for workplaces to prevent and address sexual harassment

The Respect@Work Council, chaired by National Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, has launched a new website that will help employers prevent and respond to sexual harassment, and will support them to create gender inclusive, safe, and respectful workplaces.

Category, News
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Statement of condolence for Cassius Turvey's family and community

We are deeply saddened by the death of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey last week in Perth. As this matter is before the courts, it would not be appropriate for us to make comment on the circumstances surrounding Cassius’s passing.

Category, Story
Commission – General

Commission welcomes passage of new Bill to strengthen its independence

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the passage in the Senate today of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022. The Bill ensures Commissioner appointments are publicly advertised and subject to an open, transparent and merit...

Category, News
Rights and Freedoms

New report aims to help fast-track Australia’s OPCAT implementation process

A new report released today by the Australian Human Rights Commission outlines activities required to expedite Australia’s sluggish approach to implementing the United Nation’s Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT)...

Category, News
Rights and Freedoms

Housing and human rights - rights where it matters

Sandy Duncanson Memorial Lecture Housing and human rights – rights where it matters Hobart, 11 October 2022 Abstract Homelessness can happen to anyone. People with disability are at an increased risk and they are joined by a growing invisible cohort of older women. COVID-19 was a trigger for state...

Category, Speech
Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Joint Statement on the use of hotel APODs

This Statement provides guidance on the short-term use of hotel APODs, including access to open‑air exercise, access to meaningful programs and activities, and the need to ensure medical and welfare services are of the same standard as those provided in other immigration detention facilities.

Category, News
Age Discrimination

New campaign seeks to reduce abuse of older Australians

Launched today to coincide with the 2022 International Day of Older Persons, the Elder Abuse: Shift Your Perspective campaign includes a series of videos which prompt perpetrators to consider how their behaviour might be affecting older people in their lives.

Category, News
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

First Nations women to take leading role in addressing family and community violence

An important gathering of First Nations women – including specialist experts, researchers, frontline workers and women with lived experience of violence – has called on governments across Australia to ensure First Nations women lead all future efforts to prevent violence against First Nations women...

Category, News
Rights and Freedoms

Reforming Age Discrimination Law

Reforming Age Discrimination Law: Beyond Individual Enforcement, Alysia Blackham (2022) Panel discussion Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM President, Australian Human Rights Commission I am speaking today from the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples and pay my respects to...

Category, Speech

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