Introduction These guidelines set out the process for the appointment of the President and Commissioners of the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission). The guidelines are adapted from the government’s Merit and Transparency Guidelines. The guidelines are designed to be read in conjunction with provisions of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, Age Discrimination Act 2004, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. The guidelines also ensure that appointments to the Commission are consistent with the 1993 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 48/134 Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (Paris Principles) and support the Commission as an ‘A’-status National Human Rights Institution. These guidelines provide detailed guidance to government to ensure that appointments to the Commission are merit-based and transparent. In addition, these guidelines seek to provide clear information to Commissioners, members of the public and prospective candidates about the appointment process. 3