Nominations for the awards were officially opened yesterday (7 July) by AHRC president Cathy Branson QC. The awards aim to honour individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding effort to protect human rights in Australia.

Nominations are open for the Human Rights Medal and Young People's Human Rights Medal, as well as for seven award categories: law, community (organisation), community (individual), literature (non-fiction), print media, television and radio.

Nominations close on Friday 2 October and winners will be announced at a gala luncheon which will take place on Human Rights Day on 10 December. For information about the awards see www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards.

The issue of human rights protection in Australia has been the subject of significant controversy recently, with a national consultation into whether Australia should adopt a statutory charter of human rights having recently been wrapped up. The consultation committee is scheduled to report the government later this month.