The Answer Is Human Rights | Melbourne 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 people in Victoria 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 Victoria'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 Victorian Equal Opportunity and 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 

• Light refreshments will be served during a networking session prior to the event (5pm - 5.30pm)

Panel 

• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen AM

• Executive Director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue Travis Lovett

• AHRC National Children's Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris

• Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser

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 

Travis Lovett | Executive Director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue

Travis Lovett is a proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, Boandik man and Traditional Owner who served as Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia's first formal truth-telling inquiry. He is currently Executive Director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue. A lifelong advocate for justice and cultural preservation, Mr Lovett has held senior leadership roles in the Victorian Public Service, including Executive Director and Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing Treaty and truth-telling, reforming Koori Courts and protecting cultural heritage across Victoria. His commitment to truth was powerfully embodied in his recent 905-kilometre National Walk for Truth, a symbolic and deeply personal journey from Victorian Parliament in Naarm to Parliament House in Canberra on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country. This landmark walk called on the Federal Government to commit to a national truth-telling process, developed in genuine partnership with First Nations Peoples.

Ro Allen AM | Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner

As Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Ro works to uphold Victorians' rights, promote accountability and to build a fairer, safer and more inclusive community. Prior to joining the Commission, Ro served as the inaugural Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities. In this role, Ro worked to promote the safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Victorians, advocate for their rights, and provide strategic advice to the Victorian Government. Ro has held a wide range of leadership roles, including chairing the Victorian Adult, Community and Further Education Board and the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, and serving as a Commissioner on the Victorian Skills Commission. As founding CEO of UnitingCare in Shepparton, Ro worked at the grassroots level to develop and support Aboriginal self-determination, refugee settlement, and family violence and mental health initiatives, as well as emergency disaster responses.

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. Mr de Kretser has also served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council.

Deb Tsorbaris | AHRC National Children's Commissioner

Deb Tsorbaris is a leading advocate for children, young people and families with over 30 years of experience in executive roles in the not for profit and public sectors. Before commencing as National Children’s Commissioner in 2025, Ms Tsorbaris was, since 2013, the CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Victoria’s peak body for child and family services. She also holds several key advisory roles, including as a member of the Victorian Children’s Council and the Victorian Women’s Ministerial Correctional Services Committee, and as Co-Chair of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Group.

Enquires 

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

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