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.auRead the latest speeches, statements and articles by Commission President Hugh de Kretser.
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.com