Commission to farewell Kristen Hilton in May 2021

4 February 2021

Commissioner Hilton was appointed in 2016 by former Attorney-General Martin Pakula and, in her five years, has strengthened the Commission’s role as a high-impact regulator of equality and human rights laws in Victoria.

Over her term, the Commissioner has focused strongly on identifying and eliminating systemic discrimination and elevating the stories of Victorians who have experienced unfair treatment and exclusion.

Commissioner Hilton has worked with countless organisational leaders across the public, private and community sectors to embed positive cultures in their workplaces. In particular, Commissioner Hilton has led the Commission’s transformative work with Victoria Police. Commissioner Hilton has also led the recent establishment of a review into workplace equality in Ambulance Victoria, working together with the Chair and CEO of the organisation.

In 2018 Commissioner Hilton initiated the Commission’s investigation into widespread mental health discrimination in the travel insurance industry resulting in three of Australia’s largest travel insurers removing discriminatory terms from their policies.

“Kristen Hilton has made a significant contribution during her time as Commissioner,” said Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes. “I thank Kristen for her commitment and service, which has helped ensure that the rights of Victorians continue to be advanced and protected.”

Commissioner Hilton has prioritised making rights real for Victorians by improving accessibility to the Commission’s education, information and complaints services, advocating for stronger protections in Victoria’s human rights laws, and being an ally and partner to communities experiencing racism, vilification and disadvantage.

Over the last year, Commissioner Hilton has advocated for human rights to be at the centre of the response and recovery effort to COVID-19 and has been a strong public voice for promoting the values of respect, equality and fairness across all parts of the community.

“The Victorian Equality Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is an essential Victorian institution, and one I have felt incredibly privileged to lead,” said Commissioner Hilton. “The work of the Commission matters because the human rights of all Victorians matter. Human rights frame our democracy. They prescribe the inherent value in every human life, regardless of race, gender, ability, sexuality or age. I leave this role knowing that more Victorians than ever are engaged in their rights and of those around them and that there is a clever and committed team at the Commission who will continue to ensure accountability and fairness.”

“Kristen has been an outstanding Commissioner and advocate of equality, fairness and respect for all Victorians,” said Moana Weir, Chair of the Commission’s Board. “Her time at the helm of the Commission has been marked particularly by her leadership of systemic reviews addressing embedded discrimination across a range of organisations, enabling the elimination of exclusion and inequality. Kristen leaves a tremendous legacy in the quality of both the work of the Commission she has led, and her team. Together, they have worked tirelessly to protect the rights of all Victorians with empathy and conviction.

“On behalf of the Board, we thank Kristen for her outstanding contribution and leadership and wish her every success for the future,” Ms Weir said. “The position of Victorian Human Rights Commissioner will be advertised in the new year, and our aim is to appoint Kristen’s successor ahead of her departure in May.”

Media contact

Peter Davies
Mobile: 0447 526 642
Email: peter.davies@veohrc.vic.gov.au

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