September ebulletin
Commission – General
Celebrating human rights heroes in 2020
Every year the Commission holds the Human Rights Awards to celebrate human rights achievements. However, given the extraordinary circumstances of 2020 we believe a new and different approach is needed to celebrate the many human rights heroes who have emerged this year.
View a short video from our Commissioners, and follow our social media pages as an exciting announcement will be made soon!
Support our refreshed anti-racism campaign
The #BlackLivesMatter protests and COVID-related racism have generated a renewed focus on racial equality, and we're inviting you to help seize the moment. We’ve updated the Racism. It Stops With Me website to include new resources for schools and businesses, and practical ways for people and organisations to oppose racism. Visit the website to find out how you can take action, or promote an anti-racism message within your networks.
Boardrooms must get serious on sexual harassment
Progressing gender equality doesn’t stop during lockdown! Via web link, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins attended the Federal Government’s Women’s Job Creation Forum to discuss five action areas to boost female participation in the workforce. And amid a series of high-profile sexual harassment cases, Commissioner Jenkins highlighted the urgent need for company boards and employers to adopt the tools in her Respect@Work report to prevent and respond to sexual harassment.
Do you know how the Government uses Artificial Intelligence?
New research commissioned for our Human Rights and Technology project revealed that 46% of people in Australia are not aware the government makes important decisions about them using artificial intelligence (AI). The research on attitudes towards AI, commissioned from Essential Research, also shows strong public demand for accountable and transparent use of AI, and for human rights protections.
Please email us to request a copy of the research.
More from the Commission...
Supporting people with disability during the pandemic
Disability Discrimination Commissioner Dr Ben Gauntlett has released guidelines that will support the rights of people with disability during COVID by assisting support workers to take a human rights-based approach to decision-making.
Shining a light on the risk of homelessness for older women
As part of her mission to address the risk of homelessness faced by older women, Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson joined a panel to talk about the growing problem during National Homelessness Week.
Combating modern slavery
In partnership with KPMG Australia, the Commission has released the first of five industry-specific guides to help Australian businesses combat modern slavery and respond effectively to the Modern Slavery Act 2018. The first guide addresses the property and construction industry.
Free training: Employing older workers
The Commission has developed an online training course that aims to increase awareness of the benefits of employing older people and highlights practical ways to foster engagement and retention with older employees. The course is free, and available to eligible employers in NSW.
Email to find out more, or to enrol »
Recent media releases
- Combatting modern slavery in property and construction, 13 August 2020
- Statement on Christmas Island immigration detention, 5 August 2020
- Commission welcomes new Children's Commissioner, 28 July 2020
- Urgent call to harmonise powers of attorney, 22 July 2020
- Commission concerned for detainees during COVID, 16 July 2020
- Calls for community support during Melbourne lockdowns, 7 July 2020
Recent speeches
- COVID-19: Advancing Rights and Justice during a Pandemic, 8 May 2020
- Leaving no one behind: delivering justice for all survivors of sexual harassment, 19 March 2020
Get involved
For the latest media releases, speeches and opinion pieces visit our media centre on the Commission's website at: www.humanrights.gov.au/news and for events go to www.humanrights.gov.au/about/get-involved/events.