The Answer Is Human Rights | Brisbane seminar

Human rights are an important part of our everyday lives. So much so, that we often take them for granted. But in a rapidly changing world, how much is at stake for Australians in terms of safety, freedom, equality, and justice?  

With growing concerns around social cohesion, the right to peaceful protest, housing affordability, economic inequality, and the impact of climate change and digital technologies, how can human rights help us solve the challenging issues of our times?  

Join some of Australia’s leading human rights advocates as they explore the issues facing Queenslanders and the human rights strategies we can use to build a better and safer Australia where everyone can feel they belong. 

This seminar is for anyone who cares about Australia’s and Queensland's future, and about keeping our democracy healthy and strong including:

• Workers in the legal, justice, government and civil society sectors

• Students of law, politics, business and culture

The seminar is presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission in partnership with the Queensland Human Rights Commission.

The Answer is Human Rights national seminar series is part of the AHRC’s 40 Years program.

Read the media release about this seminar.  

Participation 

• This is a FREE event, but places are limited 

• Attendees are encouraged to register prior to the event 

• Refreshments will be available for purchase from the venue.

Panel 

• Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman

• Australian Human Rights Commission Chief Executive Leanne Smith

• Qld Council of Social Services CEO Aimee McVeigh

• Open Doors Youth Service Inc. Director of Services Necho Brocchi

• Qld Human Rights Commission Deputy Commissioner, Public Policy and Prevention Jane Vasey (Moderator)

Content 

• How human rights make our communities safer and fairer   

• Proposals for an Australian Human Rights Act

• Proposals to strengthen Australia’s anti-discrimination laws

• Proposals for solutions to address a range of key local issues

Accessibility 

• The venue has accessible entry and accessible restrooms.

• Please let us know if you have any specific needs in relation to accessibility during the registration process. 

Speakers 

Leanne Smith | Chief Executive, AHRC 

Leanne is an international human rights lawyer. She has worked in the Australian judicial system and as an Australian diplomat. Before joining the Commission, she was Executive Director of the Whitlam Institute between 2017-2021. For over a decade, Leanne worked in various roles for the United Nations, where she led work on protection of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, protection of women and children, community engagement and peacebuilding. Leanne also served with the UN in the field including in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Giridharan Sivaraman | Race Discrimination Commissioner, AHRC

Prior to joining the Commission, Giridharan was a Principal Lawyer with Maurice Blackburn, heading the firm’s Queensland Employment Law department. He ran numerous state and national race discrimination cases and led the pro bono compensation scheme for underpaid 7-Eleven workers. He was Chair of Multicultural Australia from 2021-2024 and a member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council from 2019-2024. AS Race Discrimination Commissioner he is responsible for promoting equality between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, working to protect people from unfair treatment based on their race, colour, descent, immigrant status, or national or ethnic origin, and conducting research and educational programs to combat racial discrimination.K

Jane Vasey | Deputy Commissioner, Public Policy and Prevention, QHRC

Jane currently oversees QHRC’s legal, policy and education functions. Jane has a depth of experience within independent statutory agencies and public inquiries. She has led and delivered a number of major reviews and reports, where her work has addressed systemic issues at the intersection of human rights and discrimination within a range of contexts. She has worked in various senior roles including at the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, the Queensland Ombudsman and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse. Prior to her work in systemic reform, Jane practiced as a social justice lawyer in Victoria.

Aimee McVeigh | CEO, Qld Council of Social Services

Aimee is a strong advocate for equality, opportunity and wellbeing for all Queenslanders. As a community lawyer and human rights advocate, Aimee led the successful campaign for a Human Rights Act for Queensland. Her work as a lawyer focussed on human rights and discrimination, guardianship, estate planning, child protection and domestic violence. Prior to joining QCOSS, she worked in various senior and advisory roles, including at the Disability Royal Commission, Disability Law Queensland and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal and Advocacy Service. She has worked across a range of project streams including, child protection, domestic and family violence services, family and relationship services and disability services.

Necho Brocchi | Director of Services, Open Doors Youth Service Inc

Necho Brocchi is an accomplished practitioner passionate about social change, with an in-depth background in advocacy, policy, and program development. She specialises in working alongside Trans and Gender Diverse, LGBTQIAP+, and criminalised people. In her current role she leads a growing service delivery team of 20 lived experienced professionals, developing the organisation’s advocacy front, and contributing to the ongoing expansion of the service. Necho sits on the national Incarcerated Trans and Gender Diverse Fund board, which provides financial assistance to people in custody. Previously, she has sat on the Queer and Trans Workers Against Violence board working to end domestic and inter-partner violence for the LGBTQIAP+ community.

Debbie Platz AM | Commissioner, QHRC | Welcome

Debbie Platz commenced as the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner on 30 January 2026. Debbie has extensive public sector leadership experience, including as the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES), Deputy Commissioner Operations, where she was responsible for safeguarding communities from natural disasters and demonstrated a deep commitment to representing vulnerable people.

Refiti Tovi | Welcome to Country

Refiti Tovi is a proud Turrbal woman and the niece of the late Turrbal Elder, Songwoman Maroochy Barambah. Raised in culture and guided by her Elders, she has learned traditional Lore and Protocol. With over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, Refiti is deeply passionate about empowering the next generation and strengthening her community through truth-telling, advocacy and cultural connection.

Enquires 

For more information about this event or how to participate, please contact us at: 40Years@humanrights.gov.au 

Presented by