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Human Rights Act a top priority for new AHRC president
Hugh de Kretser has officially commenced his role as the president of the Australian Human Rights Commission, with the implementation of a national Human Rights Act front of mind as he begins his new duties.
Grace Robbie
On 30 July, Hugh de Kretser began his tenure as the new president of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), taking over from Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, who concluded her distinguished seven-year term on 29 July.
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The federal Attorney-General, the Honourable Mark Dreyfus KC, announced Kretser’s appointment to a five-year term at the end of May.
Kretser expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to assume this role and contribute to an organisation that advocates for justice and human rights for all individuals.
“It is an honour to take on this role. The Australian Human Rights Commission is a vital national institution [that] promotes justice and human rights for all Australians,” Kretser said.
As he started this new position, Kretser revealed that one of his main priorities was to continue advocating for Australia to implement a national Human Rights Act.
“Human rights are the blueprint for a decent, dignified life for all. When human rights are respected, our lives are better, and our communities are stronger, healthier, safer, and more prosperous,” Kretser said.
Kretser underscored the widespread support for a national Human Rights Act in Australia, citing the numerous benefits that such an act would bring to Australians.
“Across the country, support for a national Human Rights Act is strong. A Human Rights Act will protect the rights of all Australians, promote better understanding of rights, and give people the power to take action if their rights are breached. It will help ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Now is the time for the Australian government to make a Human Rights Act a reality,” Kretser said.
The new president underlined Australia’s potential to be a global leader in human rights, given its status as a prosperous and stable democracy. However, he acknowledged that significant work is still needed in various areas.
“As a wealthy, stable democracy, Australia can and should be leading the world on human rights. We must do better on a range of issues, including our treatment of First Nations people, people with disability and refugees and people seeking asylum. We need to address rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We need to ensure that everyone can access decent education, housing, and healthcare,” Kretser said.
“There are many opportunities to better protect the rights of all. The commission, under Professor Croucher’s leadership, made significant progress in advancing the case for a Human Rights Act and modernised, comprehensive, and effective national anti-discrimination laws. The commission’s landmark Free and Equal Report highlights the inadequacy of existing protections and provides a roadmap for reform.”
Kretser has been a prominent advocate for human rights in Australia for over two decades.
Before his appointment to this position, Kretser was CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first formal truth-telling process into injustices experienced by First Nations people in Victoria.
Prior to this role, he served as the executive director of the Human Rights Law Centre, the director of the Sentencing Advisory Council, the executive officer of the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres, and the commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission.
