Parliamentary Ombudsman meets Chief Executive of the Australian Human Rights Commission

Parliamentary Ombudsman meets Chief Executive of the Australian Human Rights Commission

Published October 04, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, met Ms Leanne Smith, Chief Executive of the Australian Human Rights Commission, at the Office of the Ombudsman in Valletta.

During the meeting, the Ombudsman gave an overview of the institution’s functions and explained the Office’s ongoing efforts to advocate for Malta to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). He outlined the process through which the Office of the Ombudsman drafted and submitted a new Ombudsman Bill to Government in November 2024. The proposed legislation would widen the institution’s current remit to include the promotion and protection of human rights in line with the Paris Principles.

Judge Zammit McKeon also spoke about the upcoming international conference being organised by the Office of the Ombudsman in October 2025 to commemorate its 30th anniversary. One of the key panels at the conference, “Protecting the Vulnerable – The Role of the Ombudsman in Upholding Human Rights,” will feature several prominent speakers from the international Ombudsman and human rights community.

Ms Smith provided an overview of the work of the Australian Human Rights Commission, which serves as the country’s NHRI. She explained that the Commission investigates and conciliates human rights and discrimination complaints, advises government and parliament on human rights law and policy, raises awareness through national education and outreach campaigns, and conducts research and inquiries into systemic issues. The Commission also works with courts as amicus curiae in discrimination cases, provides guidance to employers on diversity and inclusion, and delivers international training programmes across the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the Commission monitors Australia’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and reports independently to the United Nations.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to cooperation and exchange between institutions. The Ombudsman remarked that “the observance of human rights comes from a caring society—if we stop caring, then there is a real risk.”