Charting Your Future at the Australian Human Rights Commission: Your 60-Second Path to a Thriving Public Service Career 💼
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at the Australian Human Rights Commission? We’ve done the reading so you don’t have to! In this quick rundown, you’ll discover everything you need to know about joining this national institution—from their key duties and revenue to the top skills and qualifications they value. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, this snapshot will guide you toward a rewarding public service role.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Human Rights Commission
Location: Headquartered in Sydney; operates nationwide
CEO: Leanne Smith (Chief Executive). The President is Hugh de Kretser
Total Revenue: Approximately $43.44 million
Total Number of Employees: Around 200 staff
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Law (LLB / JD)
Excellent for reviewing legislation and shaping human rights policies.
Social Sciences / Humanities (Bachelor or Master Level)
Builds strong research and analytical skills to address complex discrimination issues.
Public Administration / Policy Studies
Equips you to interpret regulations and engage effectively with government stakeholders.
International Relations
Useful for collaboration with global human rights bodies and understanding international treaties.
Business / Commerce
Helps manage budgets, operational functions, and project oversight within the Commission.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)
Crucial for large-scale investigations and policy development.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Key to successfully resolving complaints through conciliation.
Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Strengthens drafting of legislation reviews and policy recommendations.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Enhances the Commission’s public education and outreach efforts.
Data Analytics
Supports evidence-based policymaking and trend analysis in complaint data.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Investigative / Regulatory Professionals
Vital for handling human rights and discrimination investigations.
Legal Practitioners
Inform legislative reviews and advocacy.
Educators / Trainers
Develop workshops to foster human rights awareness across Australia.
Policy / Project Officers
Oversee strategic initiatives and manage stakeholder relationships.
IT / Digital Specialists
Maintain secure systems for data management, reporting, and online engagement.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Research and Analytical Thinking
Core for identifying systemic human rights issues and solutions.
Communication and Advocacy
Ensures clear messaging to the public and government.
Conflict Resolution
Facilitates amicable dispute resolution in conciliation processes.
Policy Development
Helps refine the national human rights framework.
Stakeholder Engagement
Builds support for diverse projects across private, public, and community sectors.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Public Sector Policy or Regulatory Roles
Offers familiarity with government processes—perfect for a regulatory body.
Legal Practice or Paralegal Experience
Invaluable for shaping policies and resolving legal disputes.
Community Outreach or Non-Profit Work
Brings grassroots perspectives to the Commission’s policy recommendations.
Project Management
Demonstrates ability to handle multi-faceted, time-sensitive initiatives.
Academic Research
Refines analytical capabilities for deep-dives into legislation and social issues.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Human Rights Commission
Name of CEO: Leanne Smith (Chief Executive). The Commission’s President is Hugh de Kretser
Location: Australia-wide, with main office in Sydney
Year Founded: 1986
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
To promote, protect, and advance human rights across Australia. From handling complaints and offering conciliation services to advising on policy reforms and educating the public, the Commission is central to ensuring human rights are upheld. One real-world example of its impact is the Commission’s role in conducting community-wide consultations, leading to strengthened anti-discrimination legislation.Main Duties of the Department:
Complaint Resolution – Investigates allegations of discrimination and human rights breaches.
Legal and Policy Advisory – Reviews legislation for compliance with international human rights standards.
Education and Outreach – Delivers training and resources on anti-discrimination laws and workplace practices.
International Collaboration – Partners with global institutions to uphold Australia’s obligations under various treaties.
Stakeholder Engagement – Works alongside government, NGOs, and communities to drive continuous improvement.
A strong example is their public inquiries, which engage experts, communities, and government to shape future policy directions.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Promoting the adoption of a National Human Rights Act
Developing a comprehensive National Anti-Racism Framework
Enforcing new Positive Duty obligations to eliminate sexual harassment in workplaces
Rolling out educational workshops on disability awareness, respectful workplaces, and inclusive leadership
Collaborating with international and local partners to modernize laws and expand human rights protections
Did You Know?
The Commission’s multi-faceted approach—complaint handling, legal advice, and advocacy—makes it a unique leader in shaping both national and global human rights dialogue.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 200
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Data not separately published in the Annual Report
Salary Bands: Typically align with the Australian Public Service (APS) structure, ranging from around $60,000 to $170,000+
Average Salary in the Department: Estimated between $110,000–$120,000 per year, reflecting APS mid-range standards
Total Revenue: Roughly $43.44 million (combined government funding and own-source revenue)
Average Revenue per Employee: Around $217,000 (total revenue divided by ~200 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT THE AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Below is a closer look at what academic paths, trades, professions, experiences, and skills are in demand at the Commission.
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Project Administration or Government Services
Business Administration
Data Analysis
Community Services
Workplace Investigations / HR Compliance
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law
Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Criminology)
Public Policy / Administration
Communications / Media
International Relations
PhDs:
Legal / Human Rights Research
Sociology / Social Policy
Public Health / Mental Health
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Investigative Officers, Legal Support, Policy Officers, Project Managers, and Communications Specialists.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Government or Regulatory Roles – Insight into public-sector frameworks and mandates.
Legal / Paralegal – Direct contribution to analyzing and revising legislation.
NGO / Community Development – Engages frontline perspectives, enriching policy outcomes.
Research or Academic – Contributes to evidence-based recommendations.
Corporate Project Management – Skills in coordinating large-scale, multifaceted initiatives.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills:
Communication and Active Listening
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Problem-Solving
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Cultural Awareness
Technical Skills:
Policy Drafting and Analysis
Legal Research and Writing
Data Reporting and Evaluation
Project Management Tools
Digital Literacy
General Skills:
Stakeholder Engagement
Public Speaking
Report Writing
Basic Budgeting
Continuous Improvement Methodologies
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with This Department’s Work?
Human Rights Advocacy or Volunteer Work – Showcases sincere commitment to equality and fairness.
Research and Writing – Develops analytical thinking for policy work.
Community Outreach / Public Speaking – Helps you engage and inform diverse groups.
Language Studies or Cultural Exchange – Strengthens collaboration in Australia’s multicultural context.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address:
Australian Human Rights Commission
Level 19, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001Telephone: 1300 369 711
Email: communications@humanrights.gov.au
Website: www.humanrights.gov.au
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