Australian Human Rights Commission retains ‘A’ status

Acting Attorney-General
Minister for Communications
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP

I am delighted to announce the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has had its international reputation restored as one of the world’s leading international human rights organisations.

Following an extensive review the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has re-accredited the AHRC as an ‘A’ status National Human Rights Institution.

In March 2022 the AHRC had its re-accreditation as an ‘A’-status National Human Rights Institution deferred due to successive Coalition governments failing to adopt transparent selection and appointment processes when appointing Commissioners.

The threatened downgrading was yet another damning indictment of the former government’s nine years of constant attacks on the Commission’s independence.

The very first bill introduced by Mark Dreyfus as Attorney-General in the Albanese Labor Government overturned this decline by ensuring all future appointments to the Australian Human Rights Commission are made through a merit-based and transparent process.

To sustain the ongoing, essential work of the Commission, the Government also provided $49.8 million of additional funding into the Commission in the 2022-23 Budget.

The announcement by GANHRI confirms the Albanese Government is continuing to deliver on our promise to the Australian people to return integrity, honesty and accountability to government.

An independent human rights commission is fundamental to Australia’s human rights agenda both internationally and domestically.