The Centre seeks to promote, protect and contribute to the fulfilment of human rights in Australia, particularly the human rights of people that are disadvantaged or living in poverty, through the practice of law.

The key activities of the HRLRC are:

1. strategic casework and litigation;
2. law reform and policy work; and
3. education and training.

The Centre has identified the following four thematic focus areas for its work:

1. the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and Charters of Rights at a national, state and territory level, including the National Human Rights Consultation;
2. the human rights of people in detention;
3. the promotion, protection and entrenchment of economic, social and cultural rights; and
4. equality rights.