ACT Human Rights Commission

You can complain to the Commission if you believe an older person or an adult with a disability is subject to, or at risk of neglect, abuse or exploitation.

The Commission promotes the human rights and welfare of all people living in the ACT.

The Commission is an independent agency established in 2006 under the Human Rights Commission Act 2005 (HRC Act). The Public Advocate and the Victims of Crime Commissioner joined the Commission in April 2016.

The ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to have legislated a human rights act.

The Commission’s role under the HRC Act is to:

  • promote understanding of human rights in the ACT

  • identify and examine issues that affect human rights and the welfare of vulnerable groups in the ACT

  • independently handle complaints about discrimination, health services, abuse, neglect or exploitation of people over 60 or people with a disability, and complaints between users and providers of disability services, services for older people, services for victims of crime

  • encourage service improvement and increase awareness of the rights and responsibilities of service users and providers

  • provide advice to government and others about their human rights obligations

  • provide advocacy for children, young people and adults experiencing vulnerability

  • deliver services to victims of crime and advocate for them.

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