Making rights real for older people

Over 90 per cent of Australians recognise that ageism exists. But how do we tackle ageism and age discrimination? How do we make sure older people know their rights and can raise them or seek help?

On 10 December 2025, Human Rights Day, join the ACT Human Rights Commission at a hybrid event exploring what we can do to make rights real for older Canberrans.

Our speakers include:

  • Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
  • Sue Hendy, Director, International Federation on Ageing
  • Dr Penelope Mathew, President, ACT Human Rights Commission
  • and Karen Toohey, Discrimination Commissioner, ACT Human Rights Commission.

The hybrid forum will run 12:30-2pm, Wednesday 10 December 2025. Register via Humanitix.

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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