About the ACT Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner
The ACT Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner is one of three Commissioners within the ACT Human Rights Commission. The current Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner is Dr Helen Watchirs.
The Commissioner's role under the Discrimination Act is to take complaints of unlawful discrimination under the Act. Unlawful discrimination occurs when someone is:
1) Treated Unfavourably
2) Because of a protected attribute; and
3) This occurs in public life.
An example of unlawful discrimination is when someone is refused service at a restaurant because of his or her race.
If you believe you have been unlawfully discriminated against, you can make a complaint.
The Commissioner's role is also to
- promote an understanding and acceptance of, and compliance with the Act;
- undertake research and develop educational and other programs to promote the objectives of the Act;
- review the consistency of ACT laws with the Act and report to the Attorney-General; respond to requests by the Attorney-General to examine possible inconsistencies in proposed laws with the Act; and
- advise the Attorney-General on any matter relevant to the Act's operation.
More information on these functions are available on our Publications and Education pages.
