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.
Further information
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Type of Body
E. Statutory office holder, offices and committees
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Established By / Under
Act / Regulation
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Established By/Under More info
Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
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Paid Members?
Yes
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Max No. of Board/Committee Members
8
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Annual Report Prepared and tabled?
Yes
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Classification
B. Secondary statutory structure
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Auditor
ANAO
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Function Categorization
Regulatory / Review / Inquiry / Commission
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Creation Date
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Postal Address
Level 3, 175 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Current board appointments
Position | Appointee | Start Date | End Date |
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Commissioner | Ms Rosemary Kayess | 29 January 2024 | 28 January 2029 |
Commissioner | Mr Giridharan Sivaraman | 4 March 2024 | 3 March 2029 |
Commissioner | Ms Katie Kiss | 3 April 2024 | 2 April 2029 |
Commissioner | Ms Anne Hollonds | 2 November 2020 | 1 November 2025 |
Commissioner | Dr Anna Cody | 4 September 2023 | 3 September 2028 |
Commissioner | Mr. Robert Fitzgerald AM | 2 April 2024 | 1 April 2029 |
Commissioner | Ms Lorraine Finlay | 22 November 2021 | 21 November 2026 |
President | Mr Hugh de Kretser | 30 July 2024 | 29 July 2029 |
Last updated: