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Human rights are basic entitlements that belong to each and every one of us, regardless of:

what we think, or what we believe, or

where we live, or 

what we look like, or our background.

Human rights acknowledge the fundamental worth of each person based on the values of equality, respect, dignity or freedom.


Human rights law

The law ensures governments and other public authorities consider people’s rights when:

  • developing laws and policies
  • and when delivering services.

The first Human Rights laws were passed in the ACT in 2004. 

Since then, Victoria has passed a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

And in July 2019, Queensland also passed its own Human Rights Act. 

Furthermore, the Human Rights Consultation Committee is currently deciding whether the federal government should adopt a human rights act.


Queensland

Since the start of 2020, the Human Rights Act 2019 has protected 23 rights of Queenslanders.

The Act requires parliament to consider those rights when passing laws, and ensuring public services comply with human rights.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission is the body responsible for hearing and adjudicating complaints about human rights violations.

The QHRC continues to be responsible for dealing with discrimination and sexual harassment complaints under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.


Victoria

Victoria has a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities which provides 20 protections for people in that state. 

The Victorian government, local councils and other public authorities including police:

  • must not knowingly breach these human rights, and
  • they must be considered when laws are created, policies developed
  • and when services are delivered.

The Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission oversees human rights, but it does not hear complaints.

Instead, those who believe their human rights have been violated must register complaints directly with the body involved.

For example, the Disability Services Commissioner or Health Services Commissioner or the Public Transport Ombudsman.

The Victorian Ombudsman handles matters not resolved by these bodies.

The Independent Anti-Corruption Commission investigates complaints made about police.

The Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission helps the community understand their rights under the law.

So, it can answer questions, and provide education and training to community, government, local councils and other public authorities.


Australian Capital Territory

The Human Rights Act 2004, protects people living in the ACT and recognises the fundamental human rights of individuals.

It lists 20 protections, including:

  • right to life,
  • protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,
  • the protection of family and children,
  • freedom of expression and freedom of association.

The ACT Human Rights Commission takes complaints about discrimination and investigates and conciliate matters.

Furthermore, it can also investigate complaints about services in the ACT including health, disability, older people and services for children.

Every new law passed in the ACT must comply with human rights.

Additionally, an amendment to the act that came into effect in January 2009 states:

  • a direct duty on public authorities to comply with the Human Rights Act; and
  • an independent cause of action and right to remedy (but not damages) if a public authority has contravened a human right.

Debate over the potential further amendments of the Human Rights Act remains ongoing.


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LAST UPDATED: February 2022

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