Highlights of the year
Key achievements
Information and Complaints Services
In 2013-14, the Commission assisted 19 688 people and organisations – up 16% on the previous year – by providing information about the law, assisting with problem solving and facilitating referrals to other services. We received 2223 complaints of alleged discrimination and breaches of human rights and finalised 2178 complaints. We facilitated 1444 conciliation processes, of which 1017 complaints (70%) were successfully resolved. This represents successful dispute resolution for more than 2034 people and organisations. 91% of those who responded to our Service Satisfaction Survey said they were satisfied with the service provided and 69% rated the service as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.
National inquiry into children in immigration detention
In February 2014, the Commission launched a national inquiry into the mandatory and closed immigration detention of children seeking asylum in Australia. The inquiry will investigate the impact of immigration detention on the health, well- being and development of these children. By 30 June 2014, we had collected evidence though visiting nine immigration detention facilities; interviewing around 1500 individuals in immigration detention; holding the first of five public hearings; and reviewing over 200 submissions provided by individuals and organisations.
The ten-year anniversary of the Commission’s 2004 report on children in immigration detention was the catalyst for this current inquiry.
Supporting cultural reform in the Australian Defence Force
During the year, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner released two independent audits that monitored the implementation of recommendations made in her reports into the treatment of women in the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Both audits found that clear steps had been taken to address unacceptable behaviour and promote gender equality. They also identified areas for future work. The Commission has since entered into a four-year partnership with the ADF to support ongoing cultural reform across the organisation.
Building community support to tackle racism
In October 2013, the Commission released One Year On, a report charting the progress of the National Anti-Racism Strategy and the Racism. It Stops with Me community education campaign. More than 270 organisations were campaign supporters at 30 June 2014, up from 130 a year ago, with South Australia signing on as the first State Government supporter. A community service announcement featuring Australian of the Year Adam Goodes was filmed in June 2014 and broadcast nationally over a six-week period.
Children’s Rights Report 2013
In December 2013, the inaugural Children’s Rights Report 2013 was tabled in Parliament. The first of its kind in Australia, the report by the National Children’s Commissioner drew on statistics to show how children and young people are faring and provided a summary of the key issues raised during her Big Banter national consultations. The report also included recommendations to support progress in five priority areas and bolster Australia’s implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Promoting the contribution of older Australians
In November 2013, the Commission launched the Age Positive website to promote the significant contribution of older Australians to their workplaces and communities. It also features research and publications from Australia and overseas. The website will form the basis of a broader public information campaign, The Power of Oldness, in the second half of 2014 to promote positive ageing and counter negative stereotypes about older people.
Declaration Dialogue Series
In August 2013, the Commission and the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples launched the Declaration Dialogue Series to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a practical conversation about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. By 30 June 2014, we had hosted 14 ‘Declaration dialogues’ in nearly every state and territory. We also held discussions with business, industry and government to build a common understanding of the Declaration and how it can be implemented in Australia for shared benefit.
Contributing to the work of Australia’s courts
In July 2013, the Full Court of the Family Court delivered its judgment in the case of Re Jamie, dealing with court authorisation of special medical procedures for children who have been diagnosed with gender identity disorder. The Commission’s submissions to the Court were extensively referenced in the judgment and the Court recognised the importance of human rights principles in resolving the issues between the parties. The Commission was also granted leave by the High Court to intervene in two matters during the year.
Greater protection for people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity
On 1 August 2013, changes to the Sex Discrimination Act came into effect which protect people against discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status. We delivered community education sessions around the country on these changes and also began a major study looking at the key human rights challenges facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse and intersex people in Australia. Our work in this area is led by Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, who will also focus on promoting and advancing fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Working internationally to advance human rights
In July 2013, the Australian Embassy in Beijing hosted an event to mark 15 years of the China-Australia Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program, a successful initiative which the Commission has managed since it commenced in 1998. During the year, we continued to coordinate the technical cooperation programs with China and Vietnam. We also contributed to a broad range of regional and international human rights meetings and reviews.
