Royal Commission on Human Relationships

Appointment announced by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam on 21 August 1974, following a House of Representatives resolution of September 1973 after an abortion law reform bill failed. The commissioners were Justice Elizabeth Evatt (chair, Deputy President of the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission), Archbishop Felix Arnott of Brisbane and journalist Anne Deveson. Its terms of reference covered the family, social, educational, legal and sexual aspects of male and female relationships, with emphasis on responsible parenthood, sex education, family planning, fertility control and abortion services and the position of women. The exact date of the Letters Patent was not confirmed.

1. 6 November 1974Public hearings began in Sydney, continuing in other capitals and regional centres until February 1976.
2. 1976Interim report complained that budget cuts by the Fraser government were hampering its work; five research projects were abandoned.

Its final report was issued in November 1977 (the list of royal commissions gives 1978). Among other things it recommended that abortion be decriminalised in early pregnancy. The Fraser government cut its funding and required it to finish six months early. The Parliamentary Handbook gives 28 February 1978 as the date the final report was presented.

• Family, social, educational, legal and sexual aspects of relationships
• Sex education, family planning, fertility control and abortion services
• Position of women in relation to these matters

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Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.