Strategic Plan 2011-2014
2011 - 2014 Strategic Plan
The Commission strategic
plan for
July 2011 – June 2014
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Contents
- 1 Foreword
- 2 Who we are
- 3 How we work
- 4 Our Priorities
- 5 Strategic Goals
- 6 Integrating our strategic goals into our day to day work
- Further Information
1 Foreword
In 2011, the Australian Human Rights Commission celebrates twenty five years
of operations.
During this time, the Commission has contributed greatly to improved human
rights protections in Australia. We have:
- conducted landmark national inquiries, such as into the stolen generations (Bringing them home), the circumstances of children in immigration
detention
(A last resort?) and sexuality discrimination (Same-Sex
Same Entitlements) - prepared influential reports, such as the annual Social Justice and Native
Title Reports of the Social Justice Commissioner which formed the genesis of
national commitments to ‘close the gap’ on Indigenous health
inequality - developed national standards and partnerships with industry that have
improved accessibility for people with disabilities, such as through accessible
public transport and bus stops, universal housing design and captioning on
television and in cinemas - led public debate on major national social reform processes, such as the
development of a national paid parental leave scheme and understanding the
impact of an ageing population - maintained and delivered a best practice complaint handling service,
investigating and conciliating disputes about discrimination and human rights
breaches - provided expert advice to the Parliament, the courts, and the executive
government on human rights issues.
We have also played an important
leadership role internationally by sharing our experience with other national
human rights institutions and by contributing technical assistance to advance
partnerships for human rights in other countries.
While we are proud of these achievements, we are focused on the challenges
that remain to further enhance respect for human rights in Australia.
Every three years we are required under our legislation to prepare a new
Strategic Plan.[1] We treat this as an
opportunity to reflect on our effectiveness in undertaking our functions and
duties, and to identify how we can ensure that our future work will result in
tangible improvements in human rights for people in Australia.
This Strategic Plan reflects the determination and desire of our staff and
statutory officers to make a difference and positively contribute to improved
human rights protection for all people in Australia. It commits us to working
collaboratively, with innovation, and to the highest standard of excellence.
This Strategic Plan is developed at an important time for Australia and for
the Commission. The government has begun implementation of the Australian Human
Rights Framework (which is in place for the duration of this Strategic Plan).
This framework includes a range of significant reforms that will contribute to
greater awareness and protection of human rights.
Through its participation in the Universal Periodic Review process at the
United Nations, the government has also made a number of important commitments
to advance human rights protection in Australia. These and other commitments
will be driven through a revamped National Action Plan on Human Rights.
We are delighted that from mid-2011 the Commission will have full time Race
Discrimination, Disability Discrimination and Sex Discrimination Commissioners
for the first time in many years, and we will see the inaugural appointment of
an Age Discrimination Commissioner.
We see respect for human rights as the cornerstone of strong communities in
which everyone, regardless of their background, can make a contribution and feel
safe and included.
Ultimately, the purpose of this plan is to maximise our contribution to
creating an Australian society where human rights are enjoyed by everyone,
everywhere, everyday.
The Hon. Catherine Branson, QC
President
Australian Human Rights Commission
June 2011
2 Who we are
The Australian Human Rights Commission was established in 1986 by the federal
Parliament as an independent statutory organisation charged with protecting and
promoting the human rights of all people in Australia.
We operate under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth)
as well as federal laws that protect people from discrimination such as on the
basis of their age, disability, race or
sex.[2] We also have specific
responsibilities under the Native Title Act 1993 and the Fair Work Act
2009.
We work to find practical and long-term solutions to the human rights issues
facing people in Australia, as well as to build greater understanding and
respect for human rights in our community.
The Commission is accredited as an ‘A status’ national human
rights institution (NHRI). This accreditation is regularly reviewed through
United Nations sanctioned processes by the International Coordinating Committee
of NHRIs. In order to be so recognised, NHRIs must be established and operate in
compliance with the United Nations Principles Relating to the Status of
National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights – commonly known as the ‘Paris
Principles’.[3]
Our vision is for an Australia where human rights are enjoyed by everyone,
everywhere, everyday.
3 How we work
As there is no simple way to solve complex human rights issues, the
Commission seeks to address these issues using a range of integrated and
complementary approaches.
We also know that many systemic human rights challenges require sustained and
focused effort.
To be as effective as possible, our work is structured around the following
themes.
3.1 Setting and
advancing national agendas
We have a track record of drawing national attention to pressing human rights
issues, raising community awareness and encouraging positive action by
governments, service providers and others.
3.2 Building human
rights into Australian laws and practices
We believe that human rights protection needs to be a central part of laws,
policies and practices in order to build a fairer and more inclusive Australia.
We undertake research, consult, provide advice, review laws and make submissions
to parliamentary inquiries.
The partnerships we foster and the constructive approach we take helps us to
positively influence laws and practices and drive other practical changes.
3.3 Resolving
discrimination and human rights complaints
One of our core functions is to help people resolve complaints of
discrimination and other breaches of human rights through our complaint handling
service. The complaint process not only allows individuals to resolve their
disputes quickly and effectively but can also include actions that address
systemic problems.
We use information about trends in complaints to develop targeted education
programs and suggest policy reforms to address the underlying factors that lead
to discrimination. We also intervene in court cases when it is important to make
a human rights argument and appear as amicus curiae – or
‘friend of the court’ – to provide specialist advice in
discrimination cases.
3.4 Monitoring and
reporting
Some people in Australia are especially vulnerable to discrimination,
exclusion and unfair treatment. We have a particular responsibility to monitor
the situation facing these groups, identify issues of concern and propose
solutions that will improve their lives.
Sometimes we do this through holding national inquiries that examine human
rights issues in detail. We also undertake regular monitoring and reporting
work, such as the Social Justice Commissioner’s annual Social Justice
Report and Native Title Report on issues affecting Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities.
3.5 Engaging
regionally and internationally
We are often invited to share our knowledge and expertise with others in the
region, such as through our ongoing technical cooperation programs with China
and Vietnam.
As a member of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
and the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, we work in
partnership with other national human rights institutions to share ‘best
practice’ approaches and respond to the pressing human rights issues
facing Australia and our region. This engagement helps to build our expertise
and makes a positive contribution to how we work domestically.
As a NHRI, we also participate in global exchanges between Commissions
through the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights
Institutions. We also have an important role to play in the United Nations
system. We regularly provide independent reports which describe how Australia is
progressing in relation to meeting its human rights obligations.
3.6 Monitoring and
evaluating our impact
Building awareness, shifting attitudes and influencing laws and policies
takes time. We want to know that our efforts are contributing towards real and
lasting change in Australia. That’s why we have developed a comprehensive
framework to evaluate the impact of our work. This also allows us to draw
valuable lessons about what works – and why – that we can apply to
future initiatives.
4 Our
Priorities
We regularly review the human rights situation in Australia to determine
where we can take practical action and make a positive difference.
For the duration of this Strategic Plan, we have identified two cross cutting
priorities that will be the focus of our efforts. They are:
- tackling violence, harassment and bullying
- building community understanding and respect for rights.
4.1 Why violence,
harassment and bullying?
Violence, harassment and bullying profoundly affect the lives of thousands of
people living in Australia – at home, work, school, online and on the
street. They can shatter people’s confidence, limit their opportunities
and, in some cases, cause lasting physical and psychological damage.
The Commission understands that discrimination can often be a key factor
behind acts of violence, harassment and bullying.
We believe that addressing this root cause is a critical element in building
a safer and more inclusive Australia.
4.2 Why building
community understanding and respect for rights?
We all have a responsibility to respect and protect the rights of others. To
make this a reality, we aim to build greater understanding about what human
rights are and how they apply to everyday life in Australia.
More needs to be done in this area. Ongoing community education was the
primary recommendation of the government’s recent National Human Rights
Consultation, which heard from tens of thousands of people around the country.
It is also a fundamental element of the Australian Human Rights Framework,
released in April 2010, which will guide the government’s commitment to
human rights.
5 Strategic
Goals
This Strategic Plan is the ‘road map’ that guides the
Commission’s work for 2011-2014. It contains goals, results and
indicators.
The goals reflect our aspirations as an organisation. They are ambitious and
require sustained action over time. We will need to work constructively with
others in order to achieve them – including with federal Parliament,
governments, non-government organisations, business, different segments of the
Australian community and civil society more broadly.
The results provide a framework to enable us to take stock of progress in our
mandate to achieve improved respect and protection of human rights in Australia.
The indicators form the basis for our monitoring and evaluation activities so
we can measure our impact over time and assess whether we are achieving the
results for which we are striving.
Our four strategic goals, and the related results and indicators are set out
in the following snapshot.
Throughout this plan, we acknowledge that to be effective we must target our
work to a range of diverse audiences across society. We have a dual focus of
ensuring our work is relevant and informative to the broader Australian
community, while also speaking to a range of diverse audiences (that together
make up the Australian community).
- the general public/community
- human rights violators
- human rights affected communities
- federal/state/territory governments
- non-government organisations
- young people
- internet-users
- older people
- workers
- families
- people with a disability
- men
- women
- people who are gay or lesbian
- people who are sex or gender diverse
- people of different races
- people of different faiths
- children at primary school
- young people at high school
- people in adult education
- voters
- business
- or any combination of these and many more
Our vision
Human rights: everyone, everywhere, everyday
Goal 1Understanding and respect for rights
We empower people and foster change through education and
awareness-raising about human rights |
Goal 2Human rights are respected and discrimination is addressed
We identify and address human rights breaches and resolve disputes about
discrimination and human rights |
Results1a More people understand their rights and respect the rights of
others. 1b People who are vulnerable to experiencing discrimination and
other human rights breaches are more aware of their rights and how to exercise them. 1c There is a greater understanding of violence, harassment and
bullying as serious and widespread human rights issues and how to tackle them. 1d Our public presence contributes to greater awareness and positive
debate about human rights issues. |
Results2a Our complaint service is efficient and effective in responding to
enquiries and resolving disputes. 2b Significant human rights breaches, including emerging or systemic
issues, are identified and addressed through our consultation, reporting, advocacy and submission work. 2c Our monitoring and reporting on key human rights issues (such as
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice and immigration detention related matters) contributes to improved human rights compliance and awareness of human rights in the community. |
Indicators1.1 Effective reach in the general community and identified
audiences with relevant and useful information about human rights, including discrimination. 1.2 Increased understanding and awareness of human rights promotes
action by identified audiences. 1.3 Increased capacity to take action by those vulnerable to,
experiencing or witnessing human rights breaches and other discrimination. 1.4 Increased awareness and understanding of discrimination and
human rights to enable people to prevent and resolve disputes. 1.5 Increased awareness of the Commission’s complaint service
as a means to voice and resolve disputes about discrimination and human rights. 1.6 Increased positive coverage of human rights issues in mainstream
media and on the web. |
Indicators2.1 Our complaint service achieves performance indicators relating
to timeliness, effectiveness and service user satisfaction. 2.2 Our views and recommendations are reflected in Parliament
(including through committee inquiry reports), court judgments and in public debate. 2.3 Our recommendations to address systemic human rights issues
identify practical steps that when implemented result in improved protection of human rights in law, policy and practice. |
Goal 3Leadership and influence
We are a respected and influential advocate
for human rights |
Goal 4Organisational excellence
We have a collaborative and innovative work culture and maintain
efficient and effective systems |
Results3a We are recognised as the leading authority on human rights in
Australia. 3b Our work influences the development of law, policy and
practice. 3c Our expertise on human rights is sought by government and
parliamentarians and through our participation in technical assistance programs. 3d We foster and contribute to partnerships that advance human
rights in Australia. |
Results4a We maintain our accreditation as an ‘A status’ NHRI,
in accordance with the Paris Principles relating to the Status of national human rights institutions (UN Res: 48/134). 4b Our systems, policies and procedures are efficient and flexibly
administered, while meeting all professional standards and legislative requirements. 4c We maintain a diverse and safe workplace.
4d We can demonstrate the impact of our work in improving the
protection of human rights in Australia. |
Indicators3.1 Our advocacy, research and recommendations are increasingly
reflected in positions on human rights issues across the community and government. 3.2 Constructive participation in technical assistance activities
and in regional and global forums of NHRIs and United Nations bodies. 3.3 Effective relationships are developed and maintained with
Parliament, government, and other stakeholders. 3.4 The effective partnerships that we develop or contribute to
improve the quality and impact of our work. 3.5 Our activities contribute to the effectiveness of the Australian
Human Rights Framework. |
Indicators4.1 Our Commission Executive maintains effective governance and
strategic management and oversight of the organisation. 4.2 We exceed Australian Public Service rates for workplace
diversity. 4.3 We provide effective corporate services for internal and
external clients. 4.4 Our internal processes promote effective communication and
coordination and, as a result, enhance the quality of our work. 4.5 Our staff feel respected and valued and are supported with a
work life balance, professional development and job satisfaction. 4.6 We maintain effective systems to monitor and evaluate our
work. |
Goal 1Understanding and respect for rights |
|
|
We focus on increasing understanding and respect for human rights in our
community. This includes building recognition that everyone has a responsibility to respect the rights of others. We empower people to engage in meaningful activity on human rights and
to make the connection between what human rights are and how they apply to everyday life in Australia. .......................................................................
In the coming years we will: .......................................................................
|
Results1a More people understand their rights and respect the rights of
others. 1b People who are vulnerable to experiencing discrimination and
other human rights breaches are more aware of their rights and how to exercise them. 1c There is a greater understanding of violence, harassment and
bullying as serious and widespread human rights issues and how to tackle them. 1d Our public presence contributes to greater awareness and positive
debate about human rights issues. Indicators1.1 Effective reach in the general community and identified
audiences with relevant and useful information about human rights, including discrimination. 1.2 Increased understanding and awareness of human rights promotes
action by identified audiences. 1.3 Increased capacity to take action by those vulnerable to,
experiencing or witnessing human rights breaches and other discrimination. 1.4 Increased awareness and understanding of discrimination and
human rights to enable people to prevent and resolve disputes. 1.5 Increased awareness of the Commission’s complaint service
as a means to voice and resolve disputes about discrimination and human rights. 1.6 Increased positive coverage of human rights issues in mainstream
media and on the web. |
Goal 2Human rights are respected and discrimination is addressed |
|
|
We provide a fair and impartial complaint investigation and conciliation
service. In resolving complaints we encourage systemic change that prevents discrimination and breaches of human rights. We assess how laws, policy and practice in Australia respect and protect
human rights and we identify issues of concern and propose and advocate solutions. We promote systemic responses to human rights issues and work toward
inclusion of human right protections in laws, policies and practices. Where granted leave to appear, we provide our expertise on human rights
and discrimination law in legal proceedings that raise significant human rights issues through the exercise of our legal intervention and amicus curie functions. .......................................................................
In the coming years we will: .......................................................................
|
Results2a Our complaint service is efficient and effective in responding to
enquiries and resolving disputes. 2b Significant human rights breaches, including emerging or systemic
issues, are identified and addressed through our consultation, reporting, advocacy and submission work. 2c Our monitoring and reporting on key human rights issues (such as
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice and immigration detention related matters) contributes to improved human rights compliance and awareness of human rights in the community. Indicators2.1 Our complaint service achieves performance indicators relating
to timeliness, effectiveness and service user satisfaction. 2.2 Our views and recommendations are reflected in Parliament
(including through committee inquiry reports), court judgments and in public debate. 2.3 Our recommendations to address systemic human rights issues
identify practical steps that when implemented result in improved protection of human rights in law, policy and practice. |
Goal 3Leadership and influence |
|
|
We provide leadership on human rights by being credible, persuasive and
evidence based in our work. We hold government to account for its human rights performance, and
encourage all sectors of society, including the corporate sector, local government and community groups, to respect and promote human rights through their actions. We influence the development of laws, policies and practice, are
collaborative and foster and contribute to partnerships for systemic change to improve the enjoyment of human rights. We promote awareness of the Paris Principles relating to the Status of
National Institutions in order to achieve greater understanding of the importance of the effective operation of robust and independent national institutions for the promotion of human rights in Australia and in our region.4 .......................................................................
In the coming years we will: .......................................................................
|
Results3a We are recognised as the leading authority on human rights in
Australia. 3b Our work influences the development of law, policy and
practice. 3c Our expertise on human rights is sought by government and
parliamentarians and through our participation in technical assistance programs. 3d We foster and contribute to partnerships that advance human
rights in Australia. Indicators3.1 Our advocacy, research and recommendations are 3.5 Our activities contribute to the effectiveness of the Australian
Human Rights Framework. ______________________________________
|
Goal 4Organisational excellence
We have a collaborative and innovative work culture
and maintain efficient and effective systems |
|
|
We are a collaborative, innovative and flexible workplace that fosters
excellence and expertise in our staff and in how we operate. Staff working at the Commission feel valued and supported. In accordance with the Paris Principles, we maintain a diverse workplace
that reflects and respects the diversity of the Australian community. We work in a coordinated and holistic manner that recognises the universal and indivisible nature of human rights. We lead by example, by being transparent and accountable, and by
operating in accordance with the human rights standards that we expect of others. We seek to minimise our environmental footprint and to practice and inspire sound corporate social responsibility. .......................................................................
In the coming years we will: .......................................................................
|
Results4a We maintain our accreditation as an
‘A status’ NHRI, in accordance with the Paris Principles relating to the Status of national human rights institutions (UN Res: 48/134). 4b Our systems, policies and procedures are efficient and flexibly
administered, while meeting all professional standards and legislative requirements. 4c We maintain a diverse and safe workplace.
4d We can demonstrate the impact of our work in improving the
protection of human rights in Australia. Indicators4.1 Our Commission Executive maintains effective governance and
strategic management and oversight of the organisation. 4.2 We exceed Australian Public Service rates for workplace
diversity. 4.3 We provide effective corporate services for internal and
external clients. 4.4 Our internal processes promote effective communication and
coordination and, as a result, enhance the quality of our work. 4.5 Our staff feel respected and valued and are supported with a
work life balance, professional development and job satisfaction. 4.6 We maintain effective systems to monitor and evaluate our
work. |
6 Integrating our
strategic goals into our day to day work
Our annual planning processes, as well as our monitoring and evaluation
activities, are aligned with this Strategic Plan. This enables us to tell, over
time, what impact we are making in achieving our mandate and goals.
The Commission aims to achieve a ‘line of sight’ between
individual staff work plans, the distinct projects conducted by their teams or
conducted collaboratively across the whole Commission, through to the goals,
results and indicators contained in this Strategic Plan.
6.1 What if our
environment changes over the next three years?
This strategic plan is intended to be a dynamic, living document that changes
to reflect what we learn and achieve over time and to adapt to our changing
internal and external environment.
We will assess our progress every year and update the plan based on the
results of our review and evaluation.
6.2 Annual work
plan
The Commission develops annually a Commission-wide work plan to guide our day
to day work. This outlines the projects and activities conducted across the
Commission and in turn informs how we allocate our limited resources.
We
make public a summary of this work plan on an annual basis.
This diagram illustrates the relationship between team, annual and strategic
plans.
6.3 Monitoring and
evaluation
We conduct our activities within a learning framework, so we can know what we
are contributing towards improved protection of human rights in Australia. We
implement a monitoring and evaluation framework that is aligned with and
appropriative to our strategic plan. It helps us to answer the questions:
How much did we do?
How well did we do it?
What difference did we make?
Our evaluation framework not only provides this accountability but it also
assists us to:
- assess implementation methods
and process - guide program development
- assist decision making
- add to existing knowledge and promote best practice
- identify gaps in knowledge, and research.
We acknowledge that
assessing the impact of our work is a complex task, as our efforts are often
linked to longer term goals, multiple activities, collaborative approaches and
result in incremental change. This means it is not always possible to directly
attribute outcomes solely or predominately to our efforts.
Linking the evaluation of our projects to our strategic goals.
Integration Matrix
This matrix identifies the main actions we will take across the Commission to
ensure the strategic plan is integrated into our work.
|
Action
|
Outcome
|
Responsibility
|
|
A Commission-wide work plan is developed annually to guide our work
activities |
|
All staff, led by team managers and coordinated by the Director –
Policy & Programs |
|
Team work plans are designed to advance our strategic goals, results and
indicators. |
|
All staff, led by team managers
|
|
Performance management scheme integrates the strategic plan
|
|
Commission managers
All staff are responsible for meeting performance measures
|
|
Monitoring and evaluation framework ensures project evaluations are
congruent with the strategic plan |
|
Executive Director; Director – Policy & Programs; Director
– Complaint Handling Service; and team Managers All staff are responsible for conducting relevant monitoring and evaluation
activities |
|
Learning and development framework supports capacity of staff to implement
the strategic plan |
|
Personnel Services to coordinate in consultation with Director –
Policy & Programs; Director – Complaint Handling Service; and team managers All staff to participate in delivery of and attendance in learning
opportunities |
[1] Section 46AA and 46AB of the
Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) requires the Commission to
prepare a corporate plan every three years. The plan must: (a) set out the
general policies and strategies that the Commission intends to adopt in order to
perform its duties and functions; and (b) include such performance indicators
and targets as the Commission considers appropriate.
[2] At June 2011, these laws are:
Race Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Australian Human
Rights Commission Act 1986, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Age
Discrimination Act 2004.
[3] See further: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/parisprinciples.htm.
Further Information
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Fax: (02) 9284 9611
Website: www.humanrights.gov.au
For detailed and up to date information about the
Australian Human
Rights Commission visit our website at: www.humanrights.gov.au
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© Australian Human Rights Commission 2011
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ISBN 978-1-921449-22-2
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