This year the ADCQ has had noteworthy successes. We have managed an increased complaint file load. At the same time we have sought to address some of the more systemic human rights issues through important occasions such as the inaugural Mabo Oration, by providing training about discrimination and strong community liaison.

Complaint numbers continue to increase yet at the same time we have been able to reduce times taken to allocate and conciliate complaints. This has been achieved through thoughtful and innovative complaint handling processes. Support and training for staff, as well as the implementation of a statewide complaint handling system has allowed the Commission to provide clients with timely, high quality complaint handling services.

This year, sexual harassment complaints have risen slightly. This is a disappointing result after trending downward last year after a decade prohibiting such behaviour. It is unsatisfactory that again these types of complaints are 12% of the total complaints made. As expected, complaints in the new area of family responsibilities have increased and we expect continued growth as increasing numbers of people care for family members.

The success of the statewide allocation of complaints has necessarily affected the capacity of regional staff to deliver training. We will be seeking further funds for an innovative approach of web-based training packages and train-the-trainer programs to complement the current regional training program. This will ensure that regional Queensland will have access to increased training options.

While complaint handling is the backbone of the work of the Commission, the long term goal of the Act, to eliminate discrimination, means that we must ensure that we also promote an understanding of human rights.I have for some time now believed that the Commission needed to take a leadership role to identify and outline what are important issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Queensland has a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait population and strong Indigenous leadership. That Queensland needed an oration with an Indigenous focus, was a view shared by Mrs Bonita Mabo, Mr Eddie Mabo’s wife. The idea that the Mabo Oration should both celebrate Aboriginal and Islander peoples cultures and contributions and also be a serious discussion about the future, made it plain to us that the inaugural orator should be Mr Noel Pearson. This report provides details of the oration and access to Mr Pearson’s speech.

There is clearly more to do. Last year we noted that systemic discrimination cannot be addressed by individual complaint mechanisms. This year, allegations of systemic discrimination of women prisoners was raised in a submission by an advocacy group on behalf of women prisoners. The allegations were serious and if proved would indicate systemic discrimination We have begun to investigate the matters raised and a report will be published at the completion of the review.

After a decade of operation we seek to ensure that our services provided to Queenslanders with the best that they can be for the funding that we receive. Next year we will do our first comprehensive review of operational services to ensure that funding and operational needs are aligned.

The Commission has always attracted staff of the highest calibre. Their achievements outlined in this year’s annual report are remarkable and I congratulate them on their contribution and thank them sincerely for the efforts.

Susan Booth
Commissioner, Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland