The Answer Is Human Rights | Hobart 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 Tasmanians 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 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 Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Tasmania.

The Answer is Human Rights national seminar series is part of the Commission’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 

• Light refreshments will be served

Panel 

• Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser

• Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr. Anna Cody

• Tasmania’s Disability Commissioner Catherine Whittington

• Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania Training and Engagement Officer Aimen Jafri

• Acting Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Pia Saturno (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 

Hugh de Kretser | AHRC President 

Hugh de Kretser has played a critical role in advancing human rights in Australia for more than 2 decades. Before joining the Commission, he was the CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. He previously worked as the Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre and the Executive Officer of the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres. Hugh has also served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council.

Dr Anna Cody | Sex Discrimination Commissioner 

Dr Cody's career teaching Australia's future lawyers spans over 25 years. As Dean of Law at Western Sydney University for 4.5 years, she was committed to making an impact in reflecting community diversity and the intersection of law and justice. Through her work at the Kingsford Legal Centre for over 20 years, including as Director, she provided leadership in clinical legal education, discrimination law, and human rights. Dr Cody has also worked with First Nations women in Alice Springs to establish a domestic violence service, been the Chair of Community Legal Centres Australia, and a Director of the NSW Legal Aid Commission Board and Advisory Committee of Law Access.

Catherine Whittington | Tasmania’s Disability Commissioner

Catherine Whittington was appointed as Tasmania’s first Disability Commissioner in May 2025. Catherine is a disabled woman, who has university degrees in Psychology, Human Rights and Law. Over her career, Catherine has worked as a practitioner (therapist/advocate) and a senior executive in government, non-government and statutory organisations across health, child protection, disability, justice and community building. Catherine is passionate about the role quality safeguarding can play in achieving true access and inclusion so Tasmanians with disability can truly lead good lives and be connected in their community.

Aimen Jafri | Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania Training and Engagement Officer

Aimen Jafri is a prominent migrant advocate and community leader. Currently the Training and Engagement Officer at the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. Aimen is a former Chair of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania and member of the Australian Multicultural Council. A two-time Tasmanian Community Achievement Award recipient (2021, 2024), she supports culturally diverse communities, focusing on settlement, education, and domestic violence support.

Pia Saturno | Acting Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner

Pia Saturno was appointed Acting Anti-Discrimination Commissioner for Tasmania in November 2024. This followed close to 25 years as an Investigation and Conciliation Officer with the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. Pia seeks to build on and strengthen existing connections with the Tasmanian community and stakeholders to raise awareness, educate and change attitudes. Pia is committed, through the work of the OADC to building a society where inclusion and diversity is celebrated and discrimination is actively dismantled.

Enquires 

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

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