Commission releases human rights report card

15/04/2008

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission today released its first report on the operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

Commission Chairperson, Fiona Smith, said that while the Commission was generally satisfied with the progress on Human Rights Charter operation, there was room for improvement.

“Some government departments and local councils have actively embraced the Charter and its principles and are changing the way they operate to reflect their new human rights obligations,” Ms Smith said.

“But it is clear that we have a long way to go.

This is understandable given that this is a new consideration for public authorities and we do not expect to change the world overnight.”

The report raises some concerns about the apparent lack of action by almost one third of local councils.

“We recognise that local councils have been inadequately resourced to prepare for the implementation of the Charter and trust that this will improve.”

At the time of reporting, the Commission had not received any response from the Department of Treasury and Finance regarding its Charter related activities.

The report also highlights a lack of transparency around decisions about the compatibility of new laws with the Charter.

In 2007, the Parliamentary Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) raised concerns about the compatibility with the Charter of 23 Bills but only one was amended.

“The Commission is monitoring this more closely this year – we want to ensure that human rights compliance is not relegated to a tick and flick exercise,” Ms Smith said.

Under the Charter, the Commission has a number of responsibilities including reporting on the operation of the Charter every year.

“The Charter means government must give equal weight to human rights – alongside economic, social and environmental considerations – in making decisions and delivering services.

Tabled in Parliament today, The 2007 Report on the Operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities: First steps forward, provides an overview of how well State and local government agencies, Parliament and the courts and tribunals have prepared themselves for the Charter’s introduction, and their responsibility to comply with it.

Under the Charter, State and local government and public authorities have to consider the human rights outlined in the Charter when they make laws, decisions and deliver services.

Copies of the Charter report and a summary report are available here

Media Enquiries: Jess Ardley (03) 92817133 or 0428 881 254