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I am delighted to present my first statement as President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Much of what is reported in this volume occurred before I took up my appointment. The last twelve months have been a time of challenge and success for the Commission as it continues the important task of promoting and protecting the observance of human rights in Australia.

By the time that this annual report is published, Professor Gillian Triggs will have succeeded me as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. I wish her well in her new role and trust that she will gain the enjoyment and satisfaction from leading the work of the Commission that I have done.

We have developed key performance indicators which form the basis for ongoing assessment of the complaint service. These indicators, and our performance in 2010-11 in relation to these indicators, are summarised below. Timeliness. Our stated performance standard is for 80% of complaints to be finalised within 12 months of receipt. In 2010-11, we finalised 94% of matters within 12 months. The…

Despite the positive positioning of the National Apology and the establishment of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, the fundamental nature of the Northern Territory Emergency Response continued to impede the development of a good relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian Government.

Australia has agreed to be bound by and comply in good faith with international human rights law. It has done this by ratifying international human rights treaties International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) …

‘Finding my Family’, Rooth Wilay Robertson My painting depicts each family member, with all the different skin colours, as puzzle pieces finally all joined up to complete our story.

In the High Court’s formulation of native title in Mabo (No 2), [1] delivered on 3 June 1992, it was made clear that in the past, governments could validly grant interests in land that would extinguish native title. These grants could be made without payment of compensation to native title holders. [2] At least that was as far as the common law was concerned. The Court did not need to…

Australia ratified its commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child in 1989. Australia has also committed itself to other human rights standards such as the Refugee Convention. In order to fulfil these obligations and on pure humanitarian grounds, it is imperative that children in detention are afforded these rights.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) report on Immigration detention and offshore processing on Christmas Island following its visit to Christmas Island in July 2009.

‘The use of the word implemented…seems entirely inappropriate as I understand the meaning of the word. The facts are that… a number of those recommendations ...have not been implemented.’

Media Releases Launch Speech by Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Launch of the ATSIC Yilli Rreung Regional Council's Strategic Plan and the Social Justice Report 2004 and Native Title Report 2004, Darwin, 27 April 2005 Media Release : Social Justice Commissioner puts government on notice Media Release : Walking with women - addressing the needs of…

Media Pack Homepage Statements by Dr Sev Ozdowski, Human Rights Commissioner (Audio Files for Download) Inquiry Commissioner and Assistants Biographies About the Inquiry Inquiry Methodology Terms of Reference Useful Links and Resources

Negative stereotypes and assumptions of a ‘use by date’ are significant barriers that older Australians face when they look for meaningful work.

We have developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and standards that form the basis for ongoing assessment of the complaint service. These indicators, and our performance in 2011-12 in relation to these indicators, are summarised below. In comparison with the last reporting year, the Service has seen a level of improvement across all KPIs.

In today's world, with an increasing focus on greed and building individual wealth, advocacy for the human rights agenda couldn’t be more important. Over the years, HREOC has produced outstanding reports, like Bringing them home, with important recommendations. To fail to act on those recommendations diminishes Australia as a nation, and all of us as individuals.

As I reflect on the events that have taken place during the reporting period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011, I see cause for optimism whilst also acknowledging there are still some areas that remain a concern. Over the last year we have reached some major milestones. For instance, we have seen the election of the two co-chairs and a board to the National Congress of Australia’s First…