Queensland’s inaugural Human Rights Commissioner, Scott McDougall, concluded his seven-year term in the role on 7 October 2025.
Commissioner McDougall began the role of Anti-Discrimination Commissioner on 8 October 2018 and was later appointed as the Human Rights Commissioner on 1 July 2019, following the introduction of the Human Rights Act 2019.
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.
- 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.
- Hosted over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members at the Bandarran Marra’Gu (Gathering Strength) Summit, in partnership with the Queensland Family and Child Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission, to consider how to uphold, promote and protect the rights of First Nations peoples.
- Brought 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).
Leading up to the end of his term, the Commissioner delivered a final address at an event at Parliament House.
A highlight video of the Commissioner's Address is available above, and on our YouTube Channel.
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.
We thank Commissioner McDougall for his leadership and his advocacy for human rights safeguards in Queensland throughout his seven-year term.
Ms. Catherine Scott will be the acting Human Rights Commissioner from 8 October 2025 until 30 January 2026.
Additional materials - Commissioner's Address
- Read the Commissioner's Address media release here.
- View photos from the Commissioner's Address event here.
- Read the Commissioner's Address in full here.
Additional materials - Commissioner's conclusion of term
- To read the media release regarding Commissioner's conclusion of term here.