Australian Human Rights Commission

Our new research shows that a brief, one-off ageism awareness session can be highly effective in shifting people’s attitudes.

Age Discrimination Commissioner the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO is calling on governments, businesses and other institutions to provide training to promote a more inclusive society for people of all ages.

Read the new report ‘Changing perspectives: testing an ageism intervention’: https://humanrights.gov.au/changingperspectives

Ageism can have serious consequences for older people’s health and wellbeing – studies have linked it with shorter lifespans, reduced quality of life, and physical and mental health conditions.

Ageism is one of the most prevalent and tolerated forms of prejudice. But our new report shows that it might be one of the easiest to shift.

Learn more in our new report: https://loom.ly/XxdWEV4

We are pleased to announce that translated versions of the National Anti-Racism Framework Community Guide are now available. This includes Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Samoan, Swahili and Vietnamese.

To access the translated versions, please click here: https://loom.ly/VUTly90

Age Discrimination Commissioner the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO has increased community awareness of elder abuse and available supports. As she nears the end of her term, let’s take a look at her work.

An easy read guide is now available to explain Australia’s first framework to help end racism.

To read the guide, please click here: https://loom.ly/VUTly90

Ageism is one of the most prevalent and tolerated forms of prejudice. But our new report shows that it might be one of the easiest to shift.

We surveyed aged care and community workers about their attitudes to ageing before and after doing an educational workshop, and the results were very encouraging.

Learn more in our report ‘Changing perspectives: testing an ageism intervention’: https://humanrights.gov.au/changingperspectives

For many people it can be difficult or uncomfortable to think or talk about getting older.

Creating a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and other important documents can make a big difference in living your later years the way you want.

For more information and translated resources, visit www.humanrights.gov.au/planningahead

Our new research shows that a brief, one-off ageism awareness session can be highly effective in shifting people’s attitudes.

Age Discrimination Commissioner the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO is calling on governments, businesses and other institutions to provide training to promote a more inclusive society for people of all ages.

Read the new report ‘Changing perspectives: testing an ageism intervention’: https://loom.ly/XxdWEV4

Read the media statement: https://loom.ly/gR6mflg

Nominations are now open for this year's Human Rights Awards, Australia’s premier platform for honouring and celebrating our local heroes of human rights and social justice.

Nominations can be submitted in 5 categories: Human Rights Medal; Law Award; Media & Creative Industries Award; Community Award; and Young People’s Award.

www.humanrights.gov.au/aus-human-rights-awards

A recent decision by the Federal Court has confirmed that the government can lawfully use hotels to detain people in Australia. That doesn’t mean that it should.

In this article for The Mandarin, Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay outlines why, according to her latest report, people should not be detained in hotels for long periods of time.

Hotel detention may be lawful but it’s not humane Although the federal government can continue using hotels for detention of asylum seekers, there are serious human rights consequences.

Australians are increasingly working to older ages. Despite this, age discrimination remains a problem in Australia and can occur at the point of recruitment, in relation to opportunities for training, promotion and access to flexible work practices.

As the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO nears the end of her term as Age Discrimination Commissioner, we look at her work in advocating for age diverse workplaces.

Have you watched One Plus One – The Elders on ABC?

Dan Bourchier travels across Australia to share the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders. Episode 1 is dedicated to a discussion with June Oscar AO - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. June recalls the rich history of Bunuba country, the important role of her mother and grandmother, and reflects upon different stages of her career and the role her Elders have played in shaping her life.

You can catch up on the latest episodes on ABC iview: https://loom.ly/mgji7ng

Shine a light on the inspirational work that people and organisations are doing across Australia to protect and promote human rights. Nominations are now open for the 2023 Australian Human Rights Awards.

Nominations can be submitted in 5 categories: Human Rights Medal; Law Award; Media & Creative Industries Award; Community Award; and Young People’s Award. Nominations close on Monday 4 September.

www.humanrights.gov.au/aus-human-rights-awards

We welcome the appointment of Professor Anna Cody as the new S*x Discrimination Commissioner, announced today by the Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.

Prof. Cody will start in the position on Monday 4 September. We look forward to her making her own unique contribution to advancing gender equality, and defending the rights of LGBTQIA+ people under the S*x Discrimination Act. She will also play a pivotal role in implementing the significant Respect at Work reforms to prevent workplace sexual harassment.

Read more: https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/commission-welcomes-new-sex-discrimination-commissioner-0

Planning ahead can give you peace of mind and help your loved ones understand how to best support you in later life.

Creating a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and other important documents can make a big difference.

For more information, visit www.humanrights.gov.au/planningahead

HAVE YOUR SAY! We need your expertise to inform the development of the Framework for Action and the First Nations Gender Justice and Equality Institute.

Following the landmark Wiyi Yani U Thangani Summit where we heard the dreams of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls for gender justice and equality, it is time for action.

The National Framework for Action will be an overarching roadmap, to provide structural support for the diverse work taking place across communities and regions in respect to First Nations gender justice and equality.

Can you help us by filling out this short survey? https://loom.ly/0u_zXwE

This land is home to the oldest, continuing, surviving cultures on the planet. Respecting the knowledge, culture, stories, language and Elders of First Nations, will help us all move forward to a better future. This , we invite you to celebrate the rich knowledge and wisdom of First Nations Elders, both past and present.

The quote used in this tile is from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar's, opening address to the Wiyi Yani U Thangani National Summit, earlier this year. To watch this keynote in full, please visit: https://loom.ly/YA_fQ6Y

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Australian Human Rights Awards.

Nominations can be submitted in 5 categories: Human Rights Medal; Law Award; Media & Creative Industries Award; Community Award; and Young People’s Award.

Nominations close on Monday 4 September.

Honour your heroes of human rights and social justice: www.humanrights.gov.au/aus-human-rights-awards

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘For Our Elders’.

Our Elders play an important role and prominent place in our communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.

Wiyi Yani U Thangani is led by proud Bunuba woman June Oscar AO. With fearlessness and determination, over recent decades, June has been an influential advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, at the local level of her own Bunuba community, and across all other First Nations that comprise the land we now call Australia.

This week we reflect on the Elders within our community, both past and present, in how they have shaped and impacted our lives in the most profound ways.

Addressing the issue of spectator racism in sports is an essential part of combatting racism at the institutional and systemic level.

In 2021, we held a roundtable with representatives from across the Australian sporting sector and anti-racism experts, to discuss opportunities to work together. This culminated in the production of guidelines for best practice responses to spectator racism at the professional level, and measures to prevent incidents through a commitment to anti-racist practice.

Today, we are pleased to announce the release of an evaluation of the spectator racism project, available here: https://loom.ly/xDJbXIs

Solitary confinement of children in detention is 'never acceptable for any length of time' says National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds. https://loom.ly/itTPozU

Widespread locking of children in solitary lambasted by Australian children’s commissioner Anne Hollonds says staff shortage no excuse for disciplinary confinement practice that is ‘never acceptable, for any length of time’

Hotels are not appropriate places to detain people for long periods. They should only ever be used in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible time.

But detention in hotels has become a regular part of Australia's immigration detention system, and people are detained for months or even years, leading to serious human rights impacts.

The Commission calls on the Department of Home Affairs to address human rights concerns by acting on recommendations in its latest inspection report.

The Commission’s report and a response by the Department are available to view on our website: https://loom.ly/yRgZMtE

Ageism in the Australian community is pervasive. It affects all areas of people’s lives – it can be felt in their families, workplaces, communities, even on people’s self-esteem.

In her final weeks in the role of Age Discrimination Commissioner, yesterday the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO delivered a National Press Club address on building a better cultural inheritance for older people.

Watch it here: https://loom.ly/j0PHBh4

For older people and their loved ones, planning for later life provides peace of mind.

Consider speaking to someone you trust or seeking professional advice about planning for later life. For more information, visit www.humanrights.gov.au/planningahead

There are many human rights concerns for people detained in hotels as part of Australia’s immigration detention system.

The Commission’s latest inspection report provides 24 recommendations, which address:
- Excessive periods of detention
- Poor living conditions
- A lack of programs and activities
- Improving access to medical treatment
- Managing the Covid-19 pandemic
- Alternatives to closed detention
- Improving the process of release from closed detention
- Improving the support people receive after they are released, which is currently extremely poor
- The role of Ministerial intervention

Find out more: https://loom.ly/5ZoRptg "

In her final weeks in the role of Age Discrimination Commissioner, the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO will deliver a National Press Club of Australia address on how we can build a better cultural inheritance for an ageing Australia.

The Commissioner will unpack what needs to be done by governments, communities and families to protect the rights and wellbeing of all older Australians, now and into the future.

Watch it live on ABC at 12.30pm tomorrow.

The Commission’s latest inspection report provided 24 recommendations to address human rights concerns about people detained in hotels as part of Australia’s immigration detention system.

Of these, the Department of Home Affairs agreed with two recommendations, disagreed with five, and noted 17. Many of these were longstanding recommendations that require action.

Find out more: https://loom.ly/5ZoRptg

With an ageing population and an unprecedented intergenerational wealth transfer on the horizon, join our Age Discrimination Commissioner The Hon Dr Kay Patterson at the National Press Club next week when she’ll chart the course ahead to protect the rights, safety and wellbeing of older Australians.

Book tickets now: https://loom.ly/3QJbjTQ

Detaining people in hotels has serious human rights impacts, including:

- Physical and mental health issues that progressively worsen over time
- Social isolation, entrenched loneliness, boredom, frustration, and apathy
- Insufficient access to fresh air, exercise, or outdoor areas
- A distressing lack of privacy
- Limited access to programs or activities
- Insufficient private spaces for visits by family, friends, or legal assistance
- Difficulties accessing medical care

The Commission’s inspection report also describes other human rights impacts experienced by people detained in hotels as part of Australia’s immigration detention system.

Read the full report: https://loom.ly/yRgZMtE

As Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Ben Gauntlett has advocated for governments to consider the needs and rights of people with disability through participating in a number of committees. As he nears the end of his term, let's take a look at his work.

Hotels are not appropriate places to detain people for long periods. They should only ever be used in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible time.

But detention in hotels has become a regular part of Australia's immigration detention system, and people have been detained for months or even years, leading to serious human rights impacts.

Read the Commission's latest inspection report: https://loom.ly/5ZoRptg

Australia's Public Guardianship and Trustee systems must be reformed to remove the gag laws that prevent people from speaking about their experiences.
They need need a better approach to supported decision making, and more openness and accountability in how fees are charged.
The Commission's President, Professor Rosalind Croucher AM made the case for reform powerfully on ABC 7:30 Report last night.
https://loom.ly/pw3xSM8

Should there be major reforms made in the public trustee and guardianship systems? Trusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.

"Hotel detention has devastating impacts on people’s mental and physical health, and these impacts become far more severe the longer a person is detained."

Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay has raised the alarm in a new inspection report on hotel detention in Australia.

I have seen the devastating impacts of hotel detention – it’s time to stop ‘regularising’ it | Lorraine Finlay Australians would be shocked to learn about the plight of people held in hotels under the immigration system

An inspection report by the Australian Human Rights Commission has found serious human rights concerns persist in the use of hotels as Alternative Places of Detention (APODs) within Australia’s immigration detention system.

The report found detention in hotels had severe negative impacts on peoples’ physical and mental health, which became progressively worse the longer a person was detained.

Find out more: https://loom.ly/5ZoRptg

As Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Ben Gauntlett has advocated for the human rights of people with disability at several Royal Commissions.

He led the Australian Human Rights Commission’s engagement with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (DRC) and engaged heavily with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. As he ends his term, let’s look at the impact of his work.

Everyone has the right to live safe from war, persecution and violence.

Across the globe, the number of forcibly displaced people soared to 108.4 million at the end of 2022. That's an increase of 19 million people since the end of 2021.

One in 74 people on Earth has been forced to flee their home.

The number includes:
- 35.3 million refugees who have crossed an international border to find safety.
- 5.4 million people seeking asylum.
- 62.5 million people displaced within their own countries.

Learn more in the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's Global Trends report, released this month: https://loom.ly/juc3uzo