Victoria at cutting edge of human rights reform - new report

31/03/2009

Victoria’s human rights watchdog today called on the Victorian Government to stand firm on its leadership on human rights, with a new report proving that the community is better off with a Charter of Human Rights.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission 2008 report on the operation of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities: Emerging Change, tabled in parliament today shows that while the Charter was starting to make a positive impact, more needs to be done to ensure people can stand up for their rights.

Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Helen Szoke said people have used the Charter to gain access to vital services, to challenge government policy and improve the way organisations operate.

The report found the Charter helped ordinary people get better services and resolutions to problems. For example, people with an intellectual disability were able to exercise their right to vote and young people with brain injuries were saved from being placed into aged care facilities.

“At some point everyone is in contact with government services such as education, policing and health services – so it is reassuring that human rights are now considered by the agencies responsible for providing these services,” Dr Szoke said.

Since January 2008, parliament has been required to make laws compatibly with the Charter. In 2008, 39 bills generated an exchange of views about their compatibility.

Dr Szoke said contrary to fears of interference in parliament’s law making role, the Charter resulted in fairer laws that put human rights “front and centre.”

“Making laws that are compatible with human rights, or clearly justifying any limitations placed on rights, means fairer laws that are more likely to work well,” she said.

The government’s human rights report card is not all good news.

The Commission’s report raised concerns about the exclusion of the Adult Parole Board, Youth Parole Board and Youth Residential Board from the operation of the Charter.

“We need more evidence to justify their continued exemption from for the Charter,” said Dr Szoke.

The report also raised concerns about the lack of community consultation in the process of law reform and recommends improvements to help local government deliver on human rights at the local level.

“The community has told us that respect for human rights is one of the most important ingredients in a livable community,” said Dr Szoke.

“The ongoing challenge is to integrate human rights into the everyday work of government and to make rights real for people every day.”

Dr Helen Szoke, CEO, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is available for interview. Media contact: Janeen Lynch 0419 33 77 34