SIMON Corbell says consultation has begun on a proposed new model for the ACT Human Rights Commission.

Simon says the new model will deliver more frontline resources and provide clear leadership in a more effective and efficient service.

A discussion paper released today proposes an administrative restructure of the commission to appoint a president and three commissioners, with the president taking overall leadership and responsibility.

The restructure would also incorporate the functions of the Victims of Crime Commissioner into the Human Rights Commission.

“The government believes the model would strengthen the voice of the human rights offices,” Simon said.

“It means there would be greater capacity to deal with evolving human rights issues, and extra capability to make the most of available resources. Additionally, the rights protection functions which comprise the Human Rights Commission, Victims Support Services and Public Advocate’s Office will have their core service operations future proofed as they manage changing budgetary pressures.

“The proposed structure would consist of a president, with overall responsibility for the commission, and three commissioners who would have responsibility for advocacy functions, community safety functions and complaints handling functions.

“By moving from a top-heavy structure to one with more of a focus on frontline resources the new Human Rights Commission would be a single, unified body for rights assistance, advocacy and representation for the community.

“The president would have the capacity to allocate resources resulting in a more strategic, holistic and high-level direction for the new Human Rights Commission.

“The new proposed model for the Human Rights Commission would incorporate functions currently undertaken by the Public Advocate and the Victims of Crime Commissioner. In addition to the changes to the Human Rights Commission, the public guardianship functions previously located in the Public Advocate’s office would move, and become co-located within the office of the Public Trustee.

“This would allow the expertise of the Public Trustee in management and administration of personal affairs to be applied to assist in facilitating and expediting guardianship administration,” Mr Corbell said.

Consultation will extend to 12 June 2015.