The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has announced Hugh de Kretser as its new President.

The new appointment has been confirmed by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus following an open merit selection process.

Current president Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher will complete her seven-year term at the end of July. 

Mr de Kretser has been at the forefront of Australian public interest legal action to advance human rights. 

He has played a critical role on a number of landmark human rights cases and issues, including in relation to protecting the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum, marriage equality, securing justice for First Nations peoples, and in advancing democratic freedoms including the right to protest and freedom of expression.

He is currently CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission – the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations peoples in Victoria. 

Prior to that he was the Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre and Executive Officer of the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres. Mr de Kretser has served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council.

“On behalf of Commissioners and staff, I am delighted to welcome Mr de Kretser to the Commission. For over twenty years he has been a dedicated and effective advocate for positive change for people and communities whose human rights are at risk,” said outgoing President, Emeritus Professor Croucher. 

“I look forward to handing the baton to Mr de Kretser as he takes the Commission into its next phase in its critical role of protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.”

Mr de Kretser will commence his five-year term on 30 July 2024.