Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission welcomes two new board members

05/12/2009

Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke, today welcomed two new board members to the Commission.

Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls has appointed Carolyn Creswell, the founder of Carman's Fine Foods, and former Commission Chairperson Michael Gorton AM.

“This is another exciting step forward for the Commission”, said Dr Szoke. “I am delighted to be working with the new board to build on the Commission’s achievements and create an effective human rights body with a focus on the prevention of discrimination.”

Ms Creswell and Mr Gorton bring extensive experience and knowledge to the Commission.

Mr Hulls said Carolyn Creswell entered the world of business at the age of 18, when she bought a struggling bakery for $1,000. In 1992, she began Carman's Fine Foods, which has since flourished into a global brand through her vision and hard work.

Ms Creswell is an advocate for family-friendly work practices and is also involved in the Body Shop Bizness Babes program, which works to help disadvantaged women start their own businesses.

“With her extensive business experience, Ms Creswell will provide an important link between the Commission and the business community,” said Dr Szoke.

Michael Gorton is a partner with Russell Kennedy Solicitors, and has had many years' involvement in charitable and community organisations.

Mr Hulls said Mr Gorton did an outstanding job as member of the Equal Opportunity Commission from 1994 to 1999, and following his return to the Commission as Chairperson in 2008.

Mr Gorton has also held a number of other government roles and has been recognised with a number of awards, including the Paul Baker Prize for Administrative Law and Human Rights, Law Institute of Victoria.

In 2004, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, particularly for his community service in relation to equal opportunity and Aboriginal reconciliation.

The two new board members join the recently announced board.

The other board members are Joumanah El Matrah - Executive Director of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria, Jason Mifsud - CEO of Australian Football League Foundation, Paula Gerber - Monash University Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, and Brendan Gale - CEO of Richmond Football Club.

“The board members come from diverse backgrounds and professions, and bring fresh insights, innovation and expertise and provide an important link to the broader Victorian community."

“While we must ensure people continue to understand and enjoy their rights, the future work of the Commission will also bring a stronger focus on corresponding responsibilities. That is, the responsibilities all of us have to prevent discrimination from occurring in the first place,” said Dr Szoke.

“The re-shaping of the Commission is an important step forward in building on the culture of human rights in Victoria – a place where people are aware of their rights and their responsibilities,” said Dr Szoke.