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Your guide to the structures, organisations and key people in the Australian Government

Australian Human Rights Commission

Attorney-General's
The Australian Human Rights Commission promotes and protects human rights in Australia including through: - resolving complaints of discrimination or breaches of human rights under federal laws - holding public inquiries into human rights issues of national importance - developing human rights education programs and resources for schools, workplaces and the community - providing independent legal advice to assist courts in cases that involve human rights principles - providing advice and submissions to parliaments and governments to develop laws, policies and programs - undertaking and coordinating research into human rights and discrimination issues. The Commission works closely with other government agencies, the business community, the non-government sector and individuals to fulfil its role. Additionally, the Commission works closely with other national human rights institutions, particularly through the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions to address major human rights issues in the region, and undertakes bilateral activities as part of the Australian Government's development program.

Sections

Further information

  • Type of Body

    B. Corporate Commonwealth entity

  • GFS Sector Classification

    GGS

  • Established By / Under

    Act / Regulation

  • Established By/Under More info

    Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986

  • Annual Report Prepared and tabled?

    Yes

  • Classification

    A. Primary body

  • GFS Function / Sector Reported

    GGS

  • Materiality

    Small

  • PS Act Body

    Yes - Statutory Agency

  • Auditor

    ANAO

  • Creation Date

  • Postal Address

    GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

Enquiry Lines

Title Phone Number Hours of Operation Description
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Compl 1300 656 419 The Commission investigates alleged infringements of human rights under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 and breaches of anti-discrimination law under the Age Discrimination Act 2004, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Complaints are handled on a confidential basis with an emphasis on conciliation.

Government appointed boards

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