The Commission We exercise our functions under this federal legislation by: • investigating and conciliating complaints of discrimination or breaches of human rights • developing an extensive and accessible website containing research, publications, resources and education programs for young people, teachers, community groups, business, media, and the community at large • working with the media to raise and promote public awareness about important human rights issues • working with organisations and leaders in the community, government, and business sectors to provide education on relevant human rights issues and to support them in their efforts to better protect and promote human rights • holding public inquiries and consultations to resolve systemic human rights issues of national importance that we have identified • working closely with the federal government to provide independent advice regarding the development of laws, programs and policies that will better protect and promote human rights • publishing reports on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice, native title, and children’s rights • making submissions to parliamentary and other inquiries in order to identify human rights issues which may arise in proposed or existing laws and policies • working in the legal system by appearing as an intervener or as amicus curiae in cases that involve human rights • working with other national human rights institutions, particularly through the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. The President, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, the National Children’s Commissioner and the Sex Discrimination Commissioner have additional responsibilities. President and Accountable Authority The President is the single Accountable Authority of the Commission, responsible for its financial and administrative affairs. The President is also responsible for the complaint-handling function of the Commission. See Appendix 3 for Accountable Authority details provided under subsection 17BE(j) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (Cth). 10 Australian Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2020–2021