Victoria's Human Rights Charter review welcomed

The Human Rights Law Centre welcomed today’s announcement by the Victorian Government that Michael Brett Young will lead the 8 year review of Victoria’s Human Rights Charter.

“The Charter has been a force for good in protecting Victorians' rights. This review provides an important opportunity to recognise the Charter’s positive impact and recommend ways to extend that impact,” said Hugh de Kretser, Executive Director of the HRLC.

In 2011, then Premier Ted Baillieu supported the Charter against controversial recommendations to wind back its operation and the Charter remained unchanged.

“We welcome the current government’s commitment to ensure the Charter’s effectiveness, develop a human rights culture in Victoria and expand human rights education,” said Mr de Kretser.

“The main impact of the Human Rights Charter has been in improving government decision-making processes. A human rights culture and education across government is vital in achieving this,” said Mr de Kretser.

“The Charter can also be improved by strengthening compliance mechanisms – by making it easier and simpler to understand and enforce the Charter,” said Mr de Kretser.

“There are simple amendments that can be made to make the Charter more accessible to more Victorians who need its protection,” said Mr de Kretser.

Mr Brett Young is due to report to the Attorney-General on his review by 1 September 2015. The review's terms of reference are here: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/review-to-strengthen-victorias-charter-of-human-rights

For more information:

Hugh de Kretser, Executive Director, Human Rights Law Centre: 0403 965 340