Commission reaffirms commitment to self-determination following Referendum outcome

16 October 2023

The ACT Human Rights Commission is disappointed that the referendum outcome has not supported the Voice to Parliament. However, the Commission continues to support the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for greater empowerment, justice, self-determination, and respect for cultural rights, consistent with the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The Commission supports consideration of other means to achieve these aspirations in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Commission acknowledges that the debate about the Voice has been painful and difficult for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Commission handles complaints of racial discrimination or vilification within our jurisdiction. Complaints can be made via phone on Ph 02 6205 2222, or on our complaints page.

Response to the Board of Inquiry’s final report into the ACT Criminal Justice System

We acknowledge the Board of Inquiry’s important work in facilitating public discourse about the criminal justice system.
Translating rights into child and youth-friendly language

Jodie and her team are currently visiting schools across the ACT to talk to students about human rights.
Commission welcomes pathway for human rights complaints

The Commission welcomes the introduction of legislation that provides for a new accessible complaints pathway about alleged breaches of human rights by public authorities in the ACT.
Specialised legal support for sexual assault victim-survivors welcomed

Victim Support Act and Women’s Legal Centre ACT have been selected to jointly run one of  three pilots across Australia, to provide a specialised and trauma-informed legal service for sexual assault victim-survivors.
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