About us
The Commission is committed to achieving an inclusive Canberra community that respects and realises human rights, and ensures access to justice for everyone. Our work across all teams revolves around:
- delivering accessible services to empower and support people
- advocating for people’s rights to justice, dignity and wellbeing
- holding governments, bureaucracies and people to account, to uphold human rights
- driving rights-based systemic change.
Our work is underpinned by our values of independence and integrity; respectful engagement; providing culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and providing accessible services that are flexible and responsive to the needs of our clients and the community.
Strategic plan 2025-28 PDF(415KB)
Our structure
President and Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Penelope Mathew
The President co-ordinates reporting on behalf of the Commission, including responding to reviews and to inquiries in the ACT Legislative Assembly. She manages the administration and finances of the Commission to ensure its robust operation; and reports on systemic matters to the Attorney General and Human Rights Minister.
The Human Rights Commissioner provides systemic oversight, monitoring and advice about whether the ACT Government and government agencies are complying with human rights. The Commissioner raises awareness and improves understanding of human rights in the ACT; reviews the effect of ACT laws on human rights; and provides advice and submissions on laws and policies affecting human rights, to the ACT government, community and others. The Commissioner intervenes in significant court and tribunal cases that raise human rights issues.
Discrimination, Health Services, Disability and Community Services Commissioner, Karen Toohey
The Commissioner handles all complaints received by the Commission from members of the public. This includes complaints about alleged discrimination, vilification and sexual harassment, health services, disability services, services for older people, services for children and young people, treatment of vulnerable people, sexual and gender identity conversion practices, occupancy disputes and complaints from victims of crime.
The Commissioner also promotes awareness of rights and obligations, and improves service provision and outcomes for people protected by relevant legislation. Systemic issues can be investigated and addressed by the Commissioner though Commission-initiated considerations. The Commissioner also contributes to legislative and policy development in the jurisdictions listed above, and provides education and training
Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner, Jodie Griffiths-Cook
The Public Advocate responds to concerns for children, young people and adults in care and protection, youth justice, education, mental health, forensic mental health, older persons and disability sectors. She advocates for these people, monitoring services provided to them and helping to bring about improvements in services.
The Children and Young People Commissioner engages with and listens to children and young people to ensure their views are represented and considered. The Commissioner promotes children and young people’s participation in decision-making; and improves services for all children and young people. The Commissioner promotes children’s rights in the development and reform of legislation and policy.
Victims of Crime Commissioner, Heidi Yates
The Commissioner advocates for victims of crime and provides efficient and effective services for victims through Victims Support ACT (VSACT) and the financial assistance scheme (FAS). The Commissioner responds to concerns related to victims’ experiences in the criminal justice system; promotes reforms to meet the interests of victims; and ensures victims receive the information and assistance they need. The Commissioner is also the ACT Domestic Violence Project Coordinator and administers the ACT witness intermediary program.