The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the appointment of Rosemary Kayess to the role of Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
“On behalf of Commissioners and staff I warmly welcome Ms Kayess to the Commission. She is a leading disability and human rights lawyer who has been extremely influential in her work in international human rights law for people with disability,” said Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM.
“Throughout her career she has advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. Her contribution to drafting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the lobbying she undertook for its ratification in Australia has made the world a better place for so many people.”
Ms Kayess is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law and a Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of NSW and holds roles at the University of Galway (Ireland) and York University (Canada). She is also Vice Chairperson of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She was awarded the Human Rights Medal in 2019 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Professor Croucher said: “Ms Kayess’ distinguished career in international human rights law and disability rights coupled with the deep respect with which she is held by the disability community will be an asset to the Commission at this critical time.
“There is no better person to chart a course for the future of disability rights in Australia in the aftermath of the Royal Commission into the Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
“We are delighted to have someone of Ms Kayess’ distinction join the Commission to advance the rights of people with disability.”
Ms Kayess will commence in the position on Monday 29 January.
