Discrimination complaints up, demand for services grows: annual report

4 December 2024

Demand for the supports and services provided by the ACT Human Rights Commission continues to grow, according to data from the 2023-24 annual report.

In 2023-24, the Commission received 336 discrimination complaints, a 32 per cent increase on 2022–23.

The total number of complaints made to the Commission also rose by 18 per cent to 1,357.

Case coordination services for victims of crime rose by 18 per cent, with Victim Support ACT (VSACT) assisting 2,569 Canberrans to recover from the impacts of crime.

“We have continued to work hard in pursuit of an inclusive community that respects and realises human rights, and ensures access to justice for all Canberrans,” said Commission President and Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Pene Mathew.

“Our work has a broad reach, as demonstrated by the far-reaching services provided to thousands of Canberrans every year.”

Other data from the Commission’s annual report shows:

  • Eighty-nine per cent of people who used the Commission’s complaints process said the process was fair and 88 per cent said it was accessible.
  • The demand for financial assistance from victims of crime also grew, with 1,211 applications and $9.4 million paid to applicants.
  • 124 concerns about the rights of victims of crime were raised with VSACT, a 41 per cent increase on 2022-23.
  • The Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner (PACYPC) saw sustained demand for services and advocacy. The PACYPC provided direct advocacy for 444 children, young people and adults, reviewed documentation for over 2,100 people and consulted over 800 children and young people.
  • The Human Rights Commissioner and team provided over 100 written legal advices, submissions and comments, helping to ensure that proposed ACT laws and government policies are consistent with the ACT Human Rights ACT and human rights standards. The Commissioner intervened in 2 cases in the ACT Supreme Court, in which human rights issues were raised.

The annual report is available on the Commission’s website.

MEDIA:  Christine Kearney M 0466 861 451/02 6205 0063 humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au

Below: Infographics showing top line data from the annual report.

Infographics with key data from the annual report

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