Attorney-General's Department

16/10/2026

Public consultation is now open on 7 potential commitments for Australia's Fourth National Action Plan under the Open Government Partnership.

The commitments are informed by ideas from forum members, government and the broader community and focus on:

· improving access to information and media literacy

· advancing transparency, integrity and accountability

· strengthening youth and public participation in government decision-making.

Have your say: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/integrity/ogp-fnap/

Consultation closes on 6 November 2026.

15/10/2026

Proud to have co-hosted the 45th Pacific Island Law Officers' Network - PILON Annual Meeting with the Government of Tuvalu.

We value our strong partnership with the Office of the Attorney General of Tuvalu in bringing together Pacific legal leaders to strengthen the rule of law and address shared regional challenges.

Learn more about our Pacific law and justice work: https://www.ag.gov.au/international-relations/pacific-law-and-justice-program

14/10/2026

Applications are open for people with disability to represent Australia at international human rights forums in New York and Japan in 2027.



Funding to attend is available through the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Supporting Participation Program.



For more information, go to: https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/topics/disability-rights-what-were-doing/supporting-participation-program

🌏 Are you a person with disability and want to represent Australia at international human rights forums?

The Australian Human Rights Commission is inviting applications to attend key conferences in New York and Japan in 2027.

This includes forums on disability rights, gender equality and disaster risk reduction.

We fund attendance through the Supporting Participation Program.

To apply, you need support from an organisation approved by the United Nations.

📆Applications close 11 pm AEDT, Sunday 1 November 2026.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

22/09/2026

Public consultation on Australia’s draft seventh periodic report under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) has closed.

We received submissions from a wide range of stakeholders with interests in Australia’s ongoing compliance with its obligations to prevent torture and ill-treatment under the CAT.

The final report will be informed by all feedback received during this process and will be made available on our website once submitted to the United Nations: https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/united-nations-human-rights-reporting/treaty-body-reporting.

We thank all those who participated in the consultation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the consultation findings: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/cat/.

17/09/2026

The final report of the statutory review of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 was tabled in Parliament on 14 September 2026.

The review examined the operation of the Commonwealth statutory declarations framework following significant reforms that commenced in 2024, which included the launch of a digital statutory declaration service.

The review found broad support for these reforms, with stakeholders indicating that they have improved efficiency and convenience for Australians making Commonwealth statutory declarations.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the review and shared their insights.

Read the final report on our website: https://www.ag.gov.au/legal-system/publications/statutory-review-statutory-declarations-act-1959-final-report

31/08/2026

Australians are facing growing privacy risks including data breaches and identity theft.

We have released a consultation paper and draft legislation to modernise and strengthen Australia’s privacy laws for the digital age.

The reforms will better protect Australians’ personal data and help tackle emerging risks from new technologies, including artificial intelligence and wearable devices such as smart glasses.

Australians, businesses, academics and community organisations are encouraged to have their say: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/privacy-reform

Submissions close 18 September 2026.

27/08/2026

Australia has submitted its seventh periodic report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The report outlines legislative, judicial and policy measures taken to implement Australia’s obligations under the ICCPR during the reporting period, between November 2017 to August 2026.

The report provides an opportunity to reflect on Australia’s achievements and ongoing challenges in protecting and promoting human rights. We thank all those who contributed to the development of the report.

The full report is available here: tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/countries.aspx?CountryCode=AUS&Lang=EN

24/08/2026

We have commenced public consultation on Australia’s draft seventh periodic report under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

We welcome your views on Australia’s implementation of its international human rights obligations.

Visit the consultation hub to learn more: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/cat/

The consultation closes on Friday 18 September 2026 at 23:59 AEST.

21/08/2026

We want your feedback on ways to strengthen Australia’s response to modern slavery.

Modern slavery is when people are forced to work or live without freedom or control over their lives.

We are seeking your views on a proposed criminal offence for large businesses that fail to prevent modern slavery.

Find out more and have your say: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/crime/modern-slavery

Submissions close 25 September 2026.

If you have information about modern slavery, you can make a report to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) by calling on 131 237 (131AFP) or reporting the matter online on the AFP website (www.afp.gov.au).

19/08/2026

Volunteers keep local sport moving across Australia, and a new podcast is sharing the stories of the people who help bring communities together.

Pitch In is an eight-part podcast series developed through a partnership between the Australian Government and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. It follows volunteers working behind the scenes at local sporting clubs and explores how community sport builds connection and a sense of inclusion.

The series visits communities around the country, including regional and remote areas, highlighting the role volunteers play in making local sport welcoming and inclusive.

Listen to Pitch In now, available wherever you get your podcasts.