Statement from the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner, Debbie Platz, regarding the Strategic Review

Today Government announced a Strategic Review of the Queensland Human Rights Commission, including the legislation the Commission is governed by.

Strategic Reviews of independent statutory authorities were considered as part of the Coaldrake Review of culture and accountability in the Queensland public sector. As a result, legislative amendments to the Public Sector Act 2022 and other Acts ensured organisations would be subjected to periodic strategic reviews.

This will be the first such strategic review of the Commission and will review the Commission's functions and performance to assess whether they are being performed economically, effectively and efficiently.

I welcome this opportunity to align with other authorities who have had the benefit of this level of accountability, including the Integrity Commission, Information Commission and the Queensland Ombudsman. These independent reviews will play an important role in supporting our ongoing learning, adaptation, and strengthening of service delivery.

Independent reviews are an important cornerstone of good governance and support accountability across the public sector, and I look forward to engaging with the Honourable Peter Flanagan KC during this important function.

The Commission looks forward to the recommendations and supports legislative reform that strengthens human rights protections and provides more effective safeguards against discrimination.

Importantly the review will provide an opportunity to recognise the strong value the Commission is currently delivering, while also identifying areas it can continue to improve.

The Commission delivers impactful work across Queensland every day to uphold human rights and prevent discrimination for all, and I thank our staff for their ongoing dedication.

ENDS