Commission welcomes new Age Discrimination Commissioner

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the appointment of Robert Fitzgerald AM as the new Age Discrimination Commissioner.

“We are extremely delighted by this appointment. On behalf of staff and Commissioners, I warmly welcome Robert Fitzgerald as Age Discrimination Commissioner,” said Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM.

“For much of his adult life, and with high distinction, Mr Fitzgerald has served his communities, state, and country to better the lives of the most vulnerable. As a highly respected lawyer, human rights and social justice advocate, and a leading figure in the anti-discrimination space who has held several significant Commissioner positions, he is the perfect person to take on this role to help advance the rights of older people.”

Mr Fitzgerald has been the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner since 2019, and was previously an Australian Productivity Commissioner, NSW Community and Disability Services Commissioner, and Deputy Ombudsman. 

He served as a Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, was Chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board and has served on NGO boards for more than 40 years - including The Benevolent Society, St Vincent de Paul Society, Caritas Australia, and Social Ventures Australia. He is a former President of the Australian Council of Social Services.

President Croucher said: “Few can rival Mr Fitzgerald’s distinguished career in public policy and human rights advocacy. 

“His expertise, acumen, compassion, and dedicated advocacy for human rights will make him a vital asset to the Commission. We look forward to having Commissioner Fitzgerald join us at such a critical time for Australia’s ageing population.”

Commissioner Fitzgerald will commence his role with the Commission on Tuesday April 2.

The Attorney-General’s Department yesterday announced Giridharan Sivaraman as the incoming Race Discrimination Commissioner.

ENDS | Media Contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897