Opportunities to lead Australia’s human rights work
Commission – General
The Attorney-General’s Department is seeking expressions of interest from human rights leaders and experts for two key roles at the Commission – President, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.
The current position holders President Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM and Commissioner June Oscar AO will end their tenures in July and April 2024 respectively.
The President leads the Commission’s work to promote and protect human rights in Australia and is the accountable authority. The remit of the President includes legislative responsibility for the Commission’s complaints handling and conciliation, and advocacy for human rights in domestic and international fora.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner leads the Commission’s work relating to the human rights of our First Nations peoples. This may include research and education campaigns, advocacy, and monitoring legislation and policy for compliance.
The high-profile roles are for an initial tenure of 5 years (with a maximum of 7 years).
Gold standard appointment process
The recruitments fall in line with new government guidelines setting out the process for merit-based and transparent appointments. This follows the passing of the AHRC Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Act 2022 last October.
The selection process will also adhere to the Paris Principles, the UN standard for national human rights institutions, supporting the Commission’s application to be reaccredited as an ‘A status’ institution next month.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody’s recent appointment and the three current selection processes for Disability, Age and Race Discrimination Commissioners are all in line with the new policy and guidelines.
The selection criteria and application information for the President and ATSI Social Justice Commissioner roles are available on the Attorney-General’s website. Suitably qualified individuals are invited to apply by 8 October 2023.
Enquiries about the positions can be emailed to appointments@ag.gov.au