Commission (the Commission) is an independent
statutory body that has functions under the Equal
Opportunity Act 2010, the Racial and Religious
Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic) and the Charter of
Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
(the Charter). Our functions include resolving
disputes, providing education about human rights
and equal opportunity, undertaking projects and
activities aimed at eliminating discrimination and
promoting human rights, conducting research, and
providing legal and policy advice. In addition, the
Commission reports to the Attorney-General on
the operation of the Charter and, at the request of
public authorities, conducts compliance reviews.
Commission's statutory research functions under
section 157 of the Equal Opportunity Act.
Strait Islander people are over-represented in the
criminal justice system nationally, and in Victoria.
women, as the numbers of Koori female prisoners
continues to grow.
time in Victorian prisons, including on remand, has
a profound impact on these women, their children,
families and communities, as well as on the justice
system itself.
whenever a person serves a custodial sentence
or is placed on remand their Charter rights, and
those protected at international law, are engaged.
See, Commonwealth, Royal Commission into
Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, National Report (1991);
State of Victoria, Department of Justice, Victorian
Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 1 (2000);
State of Victoria, Department of Justice, Victorian
Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 2 (AJA2) (2006);
Nous Group, Evaluation of the Victorian Aboriginal
Justice Agreement Phase 2 (2012); State of Victoria,
Department of Justice, 'AJA3', above n 15.