Human Rights

Human rights in an Australian workplace are usually thought of as a discrimination issue. The reach is wider than that, and it extends beyond your own payroll.

Inside the organisation. Freedom from discrimination and harassment on protected attributes, privacy of personal information, freedom of association, and safe and healthy working conditions.

Down the supply chain. Modern slavery obligations require larger entities to report on risks in their operations and supply chains, and buyers increasingly push those questions to suppliers of every size.

In service delivery. Organisations working with children, people with disability or people in care carry additional obligations to the people they serve, not only to staff.

The practical implication is that human rights sits across HR, procurement and operations rather than in one function, which is usually why nobody owns it.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance for employers. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s human rights training and modern slavery course.