The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has issued a reminder that nominations for the first Human Rights Award for the public sector close in less than a month.
The AHRC said the annual Human Rights Awards were the pinnacle of human rights recognition in Australia, highlighting the inspiring work in communities being done by ordinary Australians, organisations, businesses and community groups to further human rights and freedoms in Australia.
“In 2018, we are excited to be introducing a new award category,” the AHRC said.
It said the new Government category would recognise the contribution of Local, State, Territory and Federal Government bodies to the advancement and protection of human rights in Australia.
“We all know someone, a business, organisation or Government body, that deserves to be applauded for their devotion to making Australia a better place and their commitment to ensuring our rights and freedoms are enjoyed by all, on an equal basis,” the AHRC said.
It said nominations will close on 5 August for the nine award categories: Human Rights Medal, Young People’s Human Rights Medal, Business Award, Government Award, “Racism. It Stops With Me” Award, Media Award, Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award, Community Organisation Award and Law Award.
Previous winners of the Human Rights Medal include Johnathan Thurston, Pat Anderson, Peter Greste, Ian Thorpe and Malcom Fraser.
The nomination form for the Awards can be accessed on the AHRC website at this PS News link.
The awards will be announced on 14 December in Sydney.
