7 Operating context 7.1 Environment Our work involves a mixture of forward-looking, agenda-setting programs that seek to strengthen Australia’s human rights framework, as well as reactive support where we provide human rights expertise and input to government priorities, parliamentary processes, relevant court proceedings and through the operation of our national information service and complainthandling functions. Each year we examine our forward operating environment to gather information about current events and issues, across political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental spheres as part of our cross-Commission planning process. 1. T  he current environment presents the most significant opportunity to implement impactful reforms across human rights in this country for some time. The Commission’s Free+Equal Report, coupled with the recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights in the report of its Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework and the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission provide the potential impetus for reforms and are widely supported. There is an increased focus and understanding of intersectionality and human rights in the public discourse which provides opportunity for collaborations and partnerships. 2. T  he international human rights landscape is having an increased impact on the domestic human rights climate. This is particularly acute concerning the conflict in Israel and Gaza and its impact on our communities in Australia. There is increased polarisation across the political and social spectrum, which is reflected in the public discourse and a fast-moving political environment. There are significant changes in how we use and engage with technology, and the impact that has on our social and economic lives. 16 Australian Human Rights Commission