existing domestic and international law and made
a clear statement about the contract between
government and the people of Victoria that
public authorities will take positive steps to
uphold these fundamental rights.
and accountability in government by giving
individuals the tools to question and challenge laws,
policies and decisions made by public authorities
that can have an impact on their human rights.
people are using the Charter to achieve positive
outcomes about individual issues but it also
has a role in challenging and changing serious,
systemic issues.
grown, government agencies and other public
authorities are taking steps to address human
rights issues before they arise. For many
agencies their understanding of the Charter
and human rights has matured, enabling them
to engage in a more rigorous assessment of the
human rights implications of their practices.
human rights assessment and evaluation tools,
public authorities are identifying and responding
to potential issues when they make laws, develop
policies and deliver services to the public.
"business as usual" for government, in much
the same way that it has integrated privacy and
occupational health and safety requirements into
its work.
will continue to benefit the Victorian community in
the years ahead.
everyone's rights are protected by ensuring that
human rights are considered in the development
of laws and policies and in the delivery of public
services.
executive (including public authorities) and the
courts in the following ways:
Victorian Parliament that sets out whether they
meet the standards in the Charter.
with human rights by the bipartisan Scrutiny of
Acts and Regulations Committee.
human rights in their decision-making.
may have regard to international, regional and
comparative domestic human rights law.
does not have the power to strike it down.
discrimination)
the Aboriginal people of Victoria)
However, any decision to limit Charter rights must
be reasonable and demonstrably justified in a
free and democratic society.
visit the Commission's website: