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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.

17/08/2026

Racism hides in plain sight. Unchallenged, it makes people feel unseen, unheard and unsafe - and its impact reaches a broad range of communities across Australia.

The Australian Human Rights Commission campaign reflects the voices of many different communities affected by racism and discrimination.

Addressing it starts with listening, learning and leading with empathy and purpose.

Listen. Learn. Lead.

We remain committed to upholding and administering Australia’s anti-discrimination laws to protect people from discrimination on the basis of protected attributes including age, disability, race, s*x, inters*x status, gender identity and s*xual orientation.

Find practical steps at humanrights.gov.au and visit our website for more information on Australia’s anti-discrimination laws: https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australias-anti-discrimination-law

07/08/2026

The Australian Government is inviting submissions to the statutory review on the operation of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Combatting Foreign Bribery) Act 2024 (the Act).

The Act introduced significant reforms to remove barriers to investigations and prosecutions of foreign bribery and established a new corporate offence of failing to prevent foreign bribery.

The review will examine the operation of the Act’s amendments including whether they have achieved their intended objectives and whether further amendments or other measures are required.

The consultation closes on 10 September 2026.

Share your views: https://consultations.ag.gov.au/crime/combatting_foreign_bribery

31/07/2026

The Australian Government is seeking applications from suitably qualified people for appointment as part-time or full-time Independent National Security Monitor (INSLM).

The INSLM is responsible for independently reviewing the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia’s national security and counter‑terrorism laws.

Applications close 5:00 pm AEST on Friday 21 August 2026.

Learn more on our website: https://www.ag.gov.au/about-us/careers/statutory-appointments/independent-national-security-legislation-monitor-inslm

30/07/2026

An estimated 300,000 people have been trafficked into scam operations across South-East Asia and forced by organised criminal networks to carry out cyber enabled fraud.

30 July is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. A day that raises awareness of human trafficking and its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.

This year, the United Nations is shining a light on trafficking for forced criminality. This includes online scam centres, where organised criminal networks exploit people and force them to take part in large-scale fraud operations for profit.

As Co-Chair of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime alongside Indonesia, Australia is working closely with regional and international partners strengthen the region’s capacity to protect people at risk of exploitation and disrupt organised criminal networks.

The Australian Government is committed to combating human trafficking and modern slavery in Australia and internationally. We stand with victims and survivors and remain committed to preventing exploitation, protecting those affected and holding offenders to account.

Learn more about Australia’s modern slavery laws, policies and support services: www.modernslavery.gov.au

Learn more about World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/endht/index.html

15/07/2026

Modern Slavery is a crime which impacts individuals, families and communities across Australia and abroad.

The Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, has appointed members to the Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group through a merit-based expression of interest process.

The 7 members commenced a 2-year term from 1 July 2026:

• Laura Giassetti - Australian Catholic Antislavery Network (ACAN)
• Freya Dinshaw - Human Rights Law Centre
• Sonia Auld
• Associate Professor Nga Pham
• Jackie Radisich
• Dr Natalia Szablewska
• Shaeron Yapp

These appointments reflect the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to combatting modern slavery in all its forms.

Learn more on our website: https://www.ag.gov.au/crime/modern-slavery/modern-slavery-act/modern-slavery-expert-advisory-group

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3-5 National Circuit, BARTON
Canberra, ACT
2600

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Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

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