Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ACT 1986 - SECT 31

    The following functions are hereby conferred on the Commission:

  (a)   to examine enactments, and (when requested to do so by the Minister) proposed enactments, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the enactments or proposed enactments, as the case may be, have, or would have, the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation, and to report to the Minister the results of any such examination;

  (b)   to:

  (i)   inquire into any act or practice (including any systemic practice) that may constitute discrimination; and

  (ii)   if the Commission considers it appropriate to do so--endeavour, by conciliation, to effect a settlement of the matters that gave rise to the inquiry;

  (c)   to promote an understanding and acceptance, and the public discussion, of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation in Australia;

  (d)   to undertake research and educational programs and other programs, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for the purpose of promoting equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, and to co - ordinate any such programs undertaken by any other persons or authorities on behalf of the Commonwealth;

  (e)   on its own initiative or when requested by the Minister, to report to the Minister as to the laws that should be made by the Parliament, or action that should be taken by the Commonwealth, on matters relating to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation;

  (f)   when requested by the Minister, to report to the Minister as to the action (if any) that, in the opinion of the Commission, needs to be taken by Australia in order to comply with the provisions of the Convention;

  (g)   on its own initiative or when requested by the Minister, to examine any relevant international instrument for the purpose of ascertaining whether there are any inconsistencies between that instrument and the Convention, and to report to the Minister the results of any such examination;

  (h)   to prepare, and to publish in such manner as the Commission considers appropriate, guidelines for the avoidance of acts or practices of a kind in respect of which the Commission has a function under paragraph   (b);

  (j)   where the Commission considers it appropriate to do so, with the leave of the court hearing the proceedings and subject to any conditions imposed by the court, to intervene in proceedings that involve discrimination issues;

  (k)   to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the preceding functions.