The Answer Is Human Rights | Perth 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 Western Australia 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 Western 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 Western Australian Equal Opportunity 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 

• University of Western Australia Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Advancement & Diversity Professor Fiona McGaughey

• WA Equal Opportunity Acting Commissioner Jeff Rosales-Castaneda

• 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.

• The Lecture Theatre is on the Ground Floor.

• Seats available for wheelchairs and people with disabilities.

• Hearing loops available for those who need them. Please request during the registration process.

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

• For more accessibility information, visit the venue website.

Speakers 

Professor Fiona McGaughey | Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Advancement & Diversity, University of Western Australia (UWA)

In addition to being Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Advancement & Diversity at the UWA, Professor Fiona McGaughey (She/Her) is an Associate Professor of international human rights law. Fiona has published widely on human rights topics including modern slavery, forced marriage, United Nations human rights bodies, and Indigenous rights. Her first book was on NGOs and the UN human rights system, and she has recently published a textbook on The International Law of Human Rights (McBeth, Nolan, Rice & McGaughey). Fiona is a member of the Department of Education’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Group. Prior to joining academia, she worked in research and policy roles in semi-state and not-for-profit entities, specialising in disability and racial equality. 

Jeff Rosales-Castaneda | Acting Commissioner, WA Equal Opportunity Commission

Jeff has a strong legal and human rights background shaped by both lived experience and professional practice. Born in El Salvador, he arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1988 and later completed a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Sociology and an LLB at Murdoch University, along with graduate certificates in Australian Immigration Law and Succession Law. Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1996, and to the Federal and High Court, Jeff has held roles as a Human Rights Lawyer with Legal Aid WA, Prosecutions Officer with the Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union (now United Workers Union), and Legal Officer at the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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 | National Children's Commissioner, AHRC

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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