Scott McDougall concludes seven-year term as Queensland's Human Rights Commissioner

Today, Queensland’s inaugural Human Rights Commissioner, Scott McDougall, will conclude his seven-year term in the role.

Commissioner McDougall began the role of Anti-Discrimination Commissioner on 8 October 2018, and later was appointed as Human Rights Commissioner on 1 July 2019, following the introduction of the Human Rights Act 2019. This new legislation expanded the Commission's role and reflected a broader focus on human rights.

Throughout his term, Commissioner McDougall has advocated strongly for realising freedom, respect, equality and dignity for all Queenslanders. He has always been a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and consistently vocal about the status of children impacted by Queensland’s youth justice and child protection systems.

Some major accomplishments achieved during Commissioner McDougall’s term include:

Leading the introduction of the Human Rights Act 2019, including implementation of Australia’s first human rights complaints scheme.
Monitoring human rights impacts during COVID-19, including by publishing a report on unresolved Human Rights Act complaints regarding hotel quarantine conditions.
Conducting major reviews of Queensland’s discrimination laws and workplace equality in the Queensland Police Service.
Intervening in several legal proceedings to guide Queensland’s human rights jurisprudence.
Reform of Queensland’s hate crime laws through facilitating the Cohesive Communities Coalition submission to the Attorney General.
The passage of Respect At Work and Other Matters Amendment Act 2024 (RAW Act amendments), including important protections from discrimination for people who need it most.
Hosting over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members at the Bandarran Marra’Gu (Gathering Strength) Summit, in partnership with the Queensland Family & Child Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission, to consider how to uphold, promote and protect the rights of First Nations people.
Bringing the biennial Mabo Oration, held in honour of Eddie Koiki Mabo, to the regions including the 20th Anniversary event hosted this year in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Gimuy (Cairns).

The interim Human Rights Commissioner appointed from Wednesday 8 October to 30 January 2026 is Catherine Scott, General Counsel, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, who will bring extensive experience in public law and administrative law to the role.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Human Rights Commissioner, Scott McDougall:

“I am mindful of the privilege it has been to lead an organisation of public servants dedicated to achieving a more inclusive, equitable and just society. It has been a truly humbling experience, with a great number of encouraging moments as well as challenges, but one that has been incredibly rewarding."

Scott McDougall

“I extend my sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to improving human rights during my term – individuals, organisations, advocates, and public officials – whose commitment to human rights is making progress possible. I also take this opportunity to encourage everyone to keep going, there’s so much that still needs to be done to uphold human rights in this great state."

Scott McDougall

“It has been an honour to serve as the inaugural Queensland Human Rights Commissioner. To all those people from various communities that I have worked alongside over the years, I thank you all for your generosity, kindness and patience – it has been a true privilege to work with you to create a fairer, more equitable Queensland."

Scott McDougall

- ENDS

Notes to editor

Video – Final Commissioner's Address at Parliament House
Photos – Final Commissioner's Address at Parliament House

Media Contact

QHRC Media

Email: comms@qhrc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0407 657 411