• educates the community about rights and freedoms • reviews laws to ensure they protect human rights For example, if someone faces discrimination at work because of their religion, they can complain to the commission. The commission will investigate and help resolve the issue.
Ombudsman ofýces Each state, territory, and the Commonwealth has an ombudsman who: • investigates complaints about government departments
• checks that government agencies act fairly • makes recommendations for improvement • helps resolve disputes. The ombudsman is free and independent. They help ensure government organisations treat people fairly and respect their rights.
TABLE3 Types of ombudsman ofýces Type of ombudsman
What they investigate
Example
Commonwealth
Federal government agencies State government departments
Centrelink complaints Public housing issues
State
Industry
Speciýc sectors
Telecommunications disputes
Anti-discrimination boards These state-based organisations:
• handle discrimination complaints • provide anti-discrimination training • promote equal opportunity • help organisations prevent discrimination. For example, if a person is refused service because of their race, they can complain to their state’s anti-discrimination board. Freepress A free press is essential for democracy. Australia has a free press. This means its newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations are able to express any opinions they want, even if these criticise the government and other organisations.
SkillBuilder discussion Communicating ‘A free press is the most important protection for democratic freedoms.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement?
FIGURE1 The purpose of a free press
Keeps people informed by:
•Reporting the news •Investigating issues •Explaining policies •Sharing different views
Holds government accountable through:
•Questioning decisions •Exposing problems •Following up on promises •Investigating complaints
TOPIC12 Government and democracy 467
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