The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was established in 1986 as an independent statutory organisation established by an act of the Australian Federal Government. The organisation is based in Sydney and was given statutory responsibilities under several federal laws including the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986. These laws allow the Commission to receive complaints and monitor Australia’s performance under international human rights standards.

The Commission acts as Australia’s human rights watchdog where it seeks to maintain Australia’s human rights obligations. The Commission also has a role in monitoring and scrutinising Australia’s performance in meeting its international human rights commitments. 

AHRC’s activities include:

• building understanding and respect for human rights
• investigating and conciliating discrimination and human rights complaints
• advocating to government for human rights to be considered in laws
• promoting and raising awareness of human rights through education and training
• researching human rights and discrimination issues in Australia
• providing independent reports to the United Nations

The Commission covers issues including discrimination, harassment based on sex, disability, race, age, sexuality and breaches of human rights against the Commonwealth and its agencies. The Commission is a collegiate body made up of a President and seven commissions. 

The organisation provides information, recent news and projects to help improve the human rights of all Australians. In addition to this, the Commission publishes an annual corporate plan setting out the Commission’s purpose and goals, operating environment, and organisation impact within a four-year outlook.

AHRC produces guidelines for employers and provides training and resources to assist organisations in embedding and supporting diversity and inclusion and addressing the risks of modern slavery in their global operations and supply chains.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is independent from government and established by legislation. We strive to resolve complaints, encourage positive law reform and build a shared awareness and recognition of freedoms and rights throughout Australia.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is primarily funded by the Australian Government.