About
The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory organisation, established by an act of Federal Parliament. We protect and promote human rights in Australia and internationally.
We conciliate discrimination complaints, hold public inquiries, and develop education resources for schools and workplaces.
We also provide legal advice to courts, make submissions to parliaments and governments, and initiate research into human rights and discrimination issues.
People who experience discrimination can complain to the Commission.
Discrimination complaints
It is against the law to be discriminated against in employment, education, the provision of goods, services and facilities, accommodation, sport and the administration of Commonwealth laws and services.
You can make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission if you have experienced discrimination, harassment and bullying based on your:
- sex, including pregnancy, marital or relationship status including same-sex and de facto status, breastfeeding, family responsibilities, sexual harassment, gender identity, intersex status and sexual orientation
- disability, including temporary and permanent disabilities; physical, intellectual, sensory, psychiatric disabilities, diseases or illnesses; medical conditions; work related injuries; past, present and future disabilities; and association with a person with a disability
- race, including colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, immigrant status and racial hatred
- age, covering young people and older people
- sexual preference, criminal record, trade union activity, political opinion, religion or social origin (in employment only)
We can also investigate and resolve complaints about alleged breaches of human rights against the Commonwealth and its agencies.
Find out more about our complaints process.
Our structure
The Commission is a collegiate body made up of a President and seven Commissioners. The President is the chief executive officer.
President
Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
June Oscar AO
Age Discrimination Commissioner
The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO
Children's Commissioner
Ms Megan Mitchell
Disability Discrimination Commissioner
Dr Ben Gauntlett
Human Rights Commissioner
Mr Edward Santow
Race Discrimination Commissioner
Mr Chin Tan
Sex Discrimination Commissioner
Kate Jenkins
