Past Projects

Rights and Freedoms

Bush Talks: Rural Health

In 1998 and 1999 the Commission (then known as HREOC) visited regional, rural and remote areas in every State and the Northern Territory as part of the Bush Talks consultations.

Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights Briefs (1999 - 2001)

The Human Rights Brief provides legal practitioners, community advocates and others with guidance on the content and scope of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Australia and their use in Australian law. Each number will cover a specific topic.

Disability Rights

The Sterilisation of Girls and Young Women in Australia: 1997 report

The legal framework regulating sterilisation of children in Australia was set out by the High Court in Marion's Case in 1992. It sought to ensure heightened accountability in decision making in an area where children are at significant risk of grave abuse of their fundamental human right to bodily...

Rights and Freedoms

Discrimination on the Ground of Trade Union Activity

Report to the Attorney-General on an inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (the Commission) into a complaint of discrimination on the ground of trade union activity under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth)(the Act).

Disability Rights

The Overlooked Consumers

A Discussion Paper examining the Access, Challenges and Emerging Possibilities for Consumer Electronics and Home Appliances.

Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights and Euthanasia

Euthanasia, or voluntary assisted suicide, has been the subject of much moral, religious, philosophical, legal and human rights debate in Australia. At the core of this debate is how to reconcile competing values: the desire of individuals to choose to die with dignity when suffering, and the need...

Rights and Freedoms

The Human Rights of Rural Australians

Every person in Australia, regardless of who they are or where they live, is entitled to respect for and protection of their human rights. People living in remote, rural and regional Australia often find it harder to fully enjoy their human rights because of their location.

Disability Rights

Education and disability

Explore the Commission's entry point on resources regarding equal access and opportunity to education for people with disabilities.

Rights and Freedoms

Housing, homelessness and human rights

People experiencing homelessness face violations of a wide range of human rights. Access to safe and secure housing is one of the most basic human rights. However, homelessness is not just about housing.