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Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth)

Category: Legislation
Binomial Name: Australian Commonwealth Government
Sub Category:Legislation
Place:
State/Country:Australia
Summary Information:
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1986 (Cth) is an 'Act to establish the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, to make provision in relation to human rights and in relation to equal opportunity in employment, and for related purposes' (long title). The Act is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of State or Territory laws which further the objects of the Act and which are capable of operating concurrently with it (s 4). The Act establishes the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) (s 7) and sets out its duties, functions and powers (ss 11-13). The Commission is to be composed of a President, a Human Rights Commissioner, the Race Discrimination Commissioner and the Sex Discrimination Commissioner. The Commission's duty is to ensure that its functions under the Act are carried out with regard for 'the principle that every person is free and equal in dignity and rights' (s 12). The Act also sets out comprehensive provisions dealing with the form of examinations or enquiries undertaken by the Commission, its functions relating to human rights and equal opportunity, powers to obtain information and documents, and administrative provisions.

Related Entries

Organisation
  • Australian Human Rights Commission

  • References

    Resource
    The Attorney-General's Department (Australian Commonwealth Government) (1986) Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986

    Glossary

    Legislation

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