Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

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Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

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We work to eliminate discrimination and build a community that respects and promotes human rights.

Under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001, the Commission helps people resolve complaints of discrimination, s*xual harassment, victimisation and racial or religious vilification through a free, fair and timely dispute resolution service with the aim of achieving a mutual agreement. The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (the Charter) means that government and public bodies must consider human rights when making laws and providing services. The Commission's role is to educate people about the rights and responsibilities contained in the Charter and to report annually to the government about the operation of the Charter. The Commission does not handle complaints related to the Charter.

28/10/2026

Everyone has a right to be treated fairly and with respect. We all have a responsibility to take action against racist policies and practices.

Last week our team attended the launch of the new Stronger Together Against Racism brochure, a guide for reporting racism and being an active ally.

The brochure is part of a broader project from the Eastern Community Legal Centre to strengthen reporting and support structures for community members experiencing racism.

The brochure is a great resource for communities and allies looking to know more about:
• what racism looks like
• who you can tell
• and how to make a report.

If you'd like to report an instance of hate or discrimination, you can use our Community Reporting Tool at humanrights.vic.gov.au/get-help/community-reporting-tool

You can learn about other resources in the brochure at eclc.org.au/STAR

27/10/2026

Human rights champions have been recognised for helping to build a fairer and more inclusive Australia in the 2026 Human Rights Awards.

The 20 finalists are recognised across 5 award categories; Law, Community, Media and Creative Industries, Young People and the prestigious Australian Human Rights Medal.

Find out more about the inspiring work they do at www.humanrights.gov.au/aus-human-rights-awards

Australian Human Rights Commission

26/10/2026

It's Inters*x Awareness Day! Today is an opportunity to highlight the rights and advocacy of inters*x people in Victoria and globally.

Inters*x is an umbrella term for people born with variations of s*x characteristics that do not align with norms for male or female bodies.

Innate variations of s*x characteristics are a natural part of human diversity. Despite this, inters*x people often face stigma, discrimination and medical interventions without their consent.

Every inters*x person should be able to decide what happens to their own body. We encourage everyone to listen to and learn from inters*x people, today and all days.

Thanks on Instagram for providing the ‘purple-ringed’ octopus artwork 💛💜

To learn more about inters*x rights go to https://interaction.org.au/

18/10/2026

It's Invisible Disabilities Week 🌻

Not every disability is visible. About 80% of people with a disability have one that is not immediately apparent.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a tool to share that someone has an invisible disability. Wearing the sunflower is a simple way to signal someone might need extra support, understanding or time.

By taking the time to consider each other's needs, we can make our communities more accessible for us all.

To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower go to https://www.dca.org.au/news/blog/the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-building-awareness-accessibility-and-inclusion-for-all

14/10/2026

Today marks three years since the Voice to Parliament referendum. We acknowledge this date holds grief and disappointment for many First Peoples across our state.

At the Commission we continue to say yes to truth-telling and Treaty. We are proud to live and work in a state that has negotiated its first Treaty with First Peoples.

But this is only the beginning. We need to do more to address the harms of colonisation and guarantee First Peoples have a genuine say in the laws and policies that affect their lives.

We remain committed to action and justice for First Peoples. We will continue to show up, listen and advocate for First Peoples rights, every single day.

Pictured: Commissioner Ro Allen with Travis Lovett at the Walk for Truth.

13/10/2026

Building belonging starts in our local communities. It starts with our neighbours, as we come together at libraries, parks, festivals and swimming pools.

Local councils play an important role providing these spaces for us to form connections.

Last week we partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) on a Building Belonging Forum.

The Forum brought together leaders from councils across Victoria. They developed practical actions to work together, amplify successful programs, and learn from each other to make our communities more inclusive for everyone.

Thank you to everyone at MAV and to everyone who attended the Forum. The actions we developed will help build belonging in our communities, so we are all safe and supported to thrive.

12/10/2026

It's National Carers Week, a time to recognise carers and the invaluable role they play in our communities.

More than 3 million Australians provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.

There are lots of ways you can support a carer you know. You can:

✅ Check in regularly
✅ Offer a break
✅ Acknowledge and appreciate
✅ Initiate support
✅ Encourage self-care

Together we can create a community where carers have the support they need to thrive.

Learn more about National Carers Week at carersweek.com.au

Carers Victoria Carers Australia

09/10/2026

In a time of increasing isolation, connection is one of the most powerful ways we can support our mental health and wellbeing.

Tomorrow on World Mental Health Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to check in with those around us.

Together we can build belonging in our communities and create spaces where everyone feels safe to seek the support they need.

To learn more about World Mental Health Day visit www.worldmentalhealthday.com.au

07/10/2026

Happy International Le***an Day!

Today we celebrate le***an culture and history, and the love, joy and pride of le***ans everywhere.

Le***an communities have a rich history of activism. They have been at the forefront of progress for women and LGBTIQA+ communities globally.

We also acknowledge the prejudice and discrimination le***ans continue to face. All too often le***ans must fight for equality and visibility in a world that works to erase their experiences.

Here at the Commission, we are dedicated to upholding the rights of le***ans. We encourage all Victorians to recognise and uplift their le***an friends, family and colleagues, today and every day.

We have a guideline for employers looking to make their workplaces inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people. Learn more at humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/guideline-lgbtiqa-inclusive-workplaces

02/10/2026

Everyone deserves to feel safe when taking public transport. Yet research shows LGBTIQA+ people experience regular harassment and discrimination on Victoria's public transport network.

That's why we partnered with the Department of Transport and Planning on a Building Belonging Forum.

The Forum was an opportunity for people across the transport industry to come together and develop practical actions to improve LGBTIQ+ safety and inclusion.

Thank you to Michelle Sheppard from the Department of Transport and Planning for making this Forum possible.

And thank you to everyone who participated. The actions identified in this this Forum will inform real change for LGBTIQA+ people in Victoria.

Transport Victoria

Address

PO Box 18011
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Telephone

+611300292153

Website

http://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/

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