Our Strategic Plan
This plan outlines the strategic direction for the Queensland Human Rights Commission for the period 2020-2024. It provides the framework for operational planning and actions to ensure the Commission delivers services in an efficient, effective and accountable manner, prioritizing those whose human rights are most at risk. The implementation of this strategic plan will be reported publicly through the Commission’s Annual Report.
As an independent statutory body, the Queensland Human Rights Commission is accountable to Parliament through the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice. Our operational objectives are directly aligned to the objectives of our governing legislation, the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Human Rights Act 2019. Through our work we contribute to government priorities for the community including ‘growing our regions’ and ‘backing our frontline services’, while also delivering on our independent objectives.
Our vision
A Queensland where human rights are real for everyone.
Our purpose
To protect and promote freedom, respect, equality and dignity.
Our values
In delivering services to achieve our objectives, we are committed to:
- Independence: we value our independence and the rule of law.
- Respect: we treat everyone with respect and dignity and acknowledge fundamental human rights.
- Inclusion: we foster collaboration among diverse staff and stakeholders, learn from each other and share what we know, and prioritise the accessibility of our services and communications.
- Diversity: we support a workplace culture that encourages diversity and we are responsive to the diverse needs of our clients.
- Integrity: we are ethical and honest in our work, we make decisions that can withstand scrutiny, and we are accountable for our actions and decisions. The way in which the Commission delivers services, develops and supports staff, and engages with the community also reflects the Queensland public service values of putting customers first, translating ideas into action, unleashing potential, being courageous and empowering people.
Our objectives
Supporting justice and self-determination for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Culture: Provide a culturally appropriate Commission experience.
Understanding: Work with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities to strengthen understanding of rights and remedies.
Dialogue: Support the establishment of formal dialogue arrangements to advance human rights for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively to identify and dismantle structural barriers to equality for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Working toward safer communities
Respond: Develop effective responses to hate speech and vilification.
Balance: Work with agencies to support an appropriate balancing of rights when ensuring safety in public spaces.
Protect: Make human rights protections more accessible to children in care and detention.
Educate: Promote public discussion about how climate change impacts human rights.
Promoting access and inclusion
Lead: Maintain a lead agency role in eliminating all forms of discrimination and promoting inclusion for diverse populations.
Access: Promote the principles of human rights in addressing access to health and education for all people in Queensland.
Connect: Promote the advancement of equal access to services for people in regional & remote Queensland.
Increasing institutional transparency
Pathways: Support pathways for people in closed facilities to understand their rights and access QHRC services.
Illuminate: Use reporting, review and communication functions to encourage transparency and promote best practice.
Strategies for achieving our objectives
| Strategies | Performance indicators |
|---|---|
| Provide impartial, fair and efficient dispute resolution and information services. | A high satisfaction rate from conciliation evaluations completed. |
| Use our reporting and review functions to guide the application of human rights in Queensland. | Influence the review of the Human Rights Act 2019. Produce an Annual Report on the operation of the Human Rights Act 2019. |
| Deliver expert training and education. | Meet annual targets for delivery of training about the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Human Rights Act 2019. |
| Promote an understanding and acceptance, and the public discussion of human rights. | Lead and participate in key human rights events and activities. |
| Intervene in proceedings involving human rights issues to provide expert assistance to courts and tribunals. | Successful interventions resulting in improved human rights outcomes. |
| Collaborate to add value in addressing complex human rights issues and systemic barriers to equality. | Strengthen strategic relationships with government agencies, non-government organisations and the private sector where human rights are most at risk. |
| Strive to maintain good governance and operational excellence across all areas of our work. | Unqualified financial audit, compliance with corporate reporting requirements, high client satisfaction rates from training and dispute resolution and achievement of service delivery targets. |
Risks and critical issues
Reputation
To achieve its vision and purpose the Queensland Human Rights Commission must maintain its independence, uphold its reputation for impartial, fair and efficient dispute resolution and continue to deliver accessible and high quality services to all people in Queensland. The Commission must take action where necessary to highlight and address human rights issues while balancing the rights of a diverse and dispersed population. Clear and transparent communication across a variety of channels will be necessary to ensure risk to reputation is managed effectively.
Resources
The Commission is responsible for delivering information and services to all people in Queensland, including those in regional and remote locations and those who are socially isolated or with specific accessibility requirements. As demand for dispute resolution and education services continues to increase, effectively managing resources to ensure equitable, accessible and responsive service delivery will be a critical issue for the Commission.
