Here’s what I can share right now about Hugh de Kretser.
- He began his five-year term as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission on 30 July 2024, with a focus on advancing a national Human Rights Act and strengthening anti-discrimination protections.[1][5]
- Prior to leading the Commission, he was the CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission in Victoria, a landmark truth-telling process for First Nations communities.[5][1]
- He has also held roles with the Human Rights Law Centre, the Victorian Law Reform Commission, and the Sentencing Advisory Council, among others.[3][6][1]
- Public-facing materials indicate ongoing engagement with human rights issues in Australia, including speeches and statements available through the Commission’s site and related media coverage.[9][10]
If you’d like, I can search for the very latest news items or provide a brief timeline of his major initiatives and public statements since taking office. I can also pull direct quotes from his recent National Press Club address or other speeches if you want.
Sources
Hugh is a Director of the Victorian Sentencing Advisory Council and was a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission from 2008–2012. He is on the Governance Committee for *knowmore*, the national service providing legal help for people navigating the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and is a White Ribbon Ambassador.
www.wheelercentre.comThe new President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Hugh de Kretser, said maintaining the push to see a national Human Rights Act introduced will be among his key priorities, as he today commenced in the role.
humanrights.gov.auHugh is a Director of the Victorian Sentencing Advisory Council and was a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission from 2008–2012. He is on the Governance Committee for *knowmore*, the national service providing legal help for people navigating the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and is a White Ribbon Ambassador.
www.wheelercentre.comRead the latest speeches, statements and articles by Commission President Hugh de Kretser.
humanrights.gov.au