Queensland Human Rights Commission

Looking to start the new year with a fresh challenge? We are currently recruiting for two senior roles with the Commission: Director, Engagement and Communications and Director, Corporate Services. These are key leadership roles in the Commission, contributing to the strategic direction and delivery of the Commission’s work. The roles are part of our Executive Management team and lead two of our core functions. It's an exciting time to join the Commission, as we work toward implementing changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act and realising our vision of eliminating discrimination and protecting and promoting human rights in Queensland. For more information or to apply, visit the SmartJobs links below! Director, Engagement and Communications: https://lnkd.in/gr4DGBRA Director, Corporate Services: https://lnkd.in/gWdrnpuC

Today we’ve published our report into workplace equality in the Queensland Police Service.   'Strengthening the Service: Independent review into workplace equality in the Queensland Police Service' contains 36 recommendations for QPS focussing on the recruitment and retention of women, First Nations, and culturally diverse police.   The review has been conducted collaboratively with QPS over the past 16 months and we are deeply grateful to the 2800 current and former police who shared their experiences with us in order to help shape a stronger, safer, and more inclusive police service.   Recommendations for QPS include: - A review of their minimum diversity targets and how they’re reported to ensure they are effective; - An external expert review of QPS recruitment standards to ensure they reflect genuine occupational requirements and don’t unlawfully discriminate; - Consideration of ways its performance management system can be improved, including better equipping leaders to have difficult conversations; - Key performance indicators for leaders and managers to hold them to account for helping improve workplace equality; - Increasing QPS’s capacity to prevent discrimination before it occurs and making sure those who experience discrimination can safely report issues and seek support; - An audit of policies and procedures, including promotion and job selection criteria to ensure they are equitable and not discriminatory; and - A trial of different forms of flexible work in different operational environments; and - That QPS have 3 months to respond to this report and 6 months to complete a comprehensive action plan for implementing the recommendations. You can read the report in full or find a short read version on our website at https://lnkd.in/gExauyNf.

The Commission has made a submission to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee on the Making Queensland Safer Bill. The Commission recommends that the Bill should NOT be passed. The Commission has submitted that the Bill severely limits the fundamental rights of some of Queensland’s most vulnerable children in a way that is disproportionate to the goal of achieving better community safety. You can read our submission here - https://lnkd.in/gNx4VMSc.

In several jurisdictions across Australia, positive duty obligations are in place on organisations and businesses to prevent discrimination, sexual harassment or vilification. The Australian Council of Human Rights Authorities (ACHRA) have established a positive duty working group to share information and collaberate on positive duty obligations. That group met last month and issued the communique below.

We have two more exciting opportunities to join our expanding team at the Queensland Human Rights Commission within the Public Policy and Prevention Directorate. Now is the time to protect and defend human rights, and we need people who are ready to make a difference. We are currently recruiting for: - Manager, Public Policy: Manage high-impact policy work and lead the development and implementation of strategies and programs to protect human rights in Queensland. https://lnkd.in/gSyCdahn. Contact Heather Corkhill for details. - Directorate Support Officer: Suited to a motivated early career professional looking to develop their skills within a legal context, or a confident administrative officer with experience coordinating complex projects. https://lnkd.in/gc6nUTJH. Contact Florence Guyomar for details. We are looking for people who are strategic thinkers, love what they do and uphold our values. Please share with your networks!

Yesterday, the Queensland Government introduced the Making Queensland Safer Bill. You can read the Human Rights Commissioner's statement here.

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner today launched the most comprehensive plan ever for eliminating racism in Australia. Developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission with dedicated funding from the Australian Government, the National Anti-Racism Framework provides a roadmap for governments, business and community organisations to address all forms of racism. Read more: https://loom.ly/5ePoVmA #AusHumanRights #EliminateRacism

On Friday, we hosted lawyers and advocates to discuss current issues in anti-discrimination law at our INTERSECTIONS CPD event. Thanks to our informed and engaging panellists: Jane Vasey (Queensland Human Rights Commission), Shaun Chng (Clayton Utz), Bridget Burton (UQ Law School), to Aunty Dawn for her warm Welcome to Country, and to our own 'Sam' Simon Tracy for MCing the event. It was a privilege to bring together such a dedicated, intelligent, and driven group of advocates for an afternoon filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful networking. Events like this remind us of the power of collective action in driving positive change. #AntiDiscriminationLaw #Education #Networking #Advocacy

Deputy Commissioner Jane Vasey was delighted to join the Queensland Faith Communities Council AGM last night to provide an update on changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act. It was a wonderful night, full of warmth and respect. Thank you Queensland Faith Communities Council and Chair Gail Paratz OAM for the invitation, we look forward to continuing our dialogue. ------------- Photo 1 (left to right): Amit Goyal (QFCC Executive, ISKCON delegate), Anglican Bishop John Roundhill (QFCC Delegate), Deputy Commissioner Jane Vasey, Usha (Sunitha Gokul, Vedanta Society), Gail Paratz OAM (QFCC Chair, delegate Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies), David Paratz AM (Life Governor and delegate Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies). Photo 2 (left to right): Amit Goyal, Bishop John Roundhill, Deputy Commissioner Jane Vasey, Usha, Gail Paratz OAM, David Paratz AM, Ravi Gokul (Vedanta Society), Unni Nair (delegate Vedanta Society), Reverend Geoff Hoyte (delegate Anglican Church, QFCC Executive member).

We have an exciting leadership opportunity in our newly established Policy and Prevention Directorate. This role will lead development of the Commission's expanded focus on on systemic issues, and implement the Commission's expanded functions and powers. If you're ready for a challenge, read more and apply at https://lnkd.in/gaBZ6bCD