Human Resources

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Human rights are essential in a democratic society – they are entitlements that belong to every human being regardless of age, sex or culture.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities is an Act of Parliament which came into effect on 1 January 2007. The Charter contains 20 rights that reflect four basic principles: Freedom, Respect, Equality and Dignity.

The Charter aims to improve service delivery and ensure transparent decision making by promoting a human rights culture across government in Victoria.

From 1 January 2008 all Victorian government departments and public authorities must act compatibly with the Charter and take human rights into account when making decisions, providing advice or services, or taking action in their day-to-day work.  Government schools, school councils, DEECD corporate staff, statutory authorities and private sector organisations carrying out public functions on behalf of government, are all public authorities under the Charter. 

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Training Module for all DEECD staff

The Charter of Human Rights Training Module has been designed to assist all DEECD staff in understanding their responsibilities and their rights under the Charter.  The Module takes approximately 20 - 30 minutes to complete including the short quiz which must be completed with the Module.  As part of our commitment to the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities all DEECD staff are expected to complete the Training Module. 

To access the training module and for technical assistance, see below under procedures and forms.

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Implementation Guide for DEECD Policy Officers

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Implementation Guide for DEECD Policy Officers has been developed to assist policy officers to identify the impact of the Charter on policy development within DEECD. Specifically, the Implementation Guide has been designed to equip DEECD policy officers with the necessary information to integrate human rights considerations into DEECD policy development.  They are also intended to assist program managers to assess whether their programs are delivered in a way that is consistent with the Charter. 

If you are interested in training in the use of this Implementation Guide please contact the Conduct and Ethics Branch on ph: 9637 2595 or email human.rights.charter@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Indigenous Rights

The Charter is founded on the principle that human rights have special importance for the Aboriginal people of Victoria, as descendants of Australia’s first people, with their diverse spiritual, social, cultural and economic relationship with their traditional land and waters.

The Department has a number of strategies to support Aboriginal children and young people.

Dardee Boorai:  Children and Young People's Charter

Dardee Boorai: the Victorian Charter of Safety and Wellbeing for Aboriginal Children and Young People is a statement of a shared commitment between community and government.  It affirms the strength and resilience of Victoria’s Aboriginal culture, communities and families.  Dardee Boorai sets out shared values and principles and commits to improving outcomes for Victoria’s Aboriginal children and young people.  Dardee Boorai means strong children. For further information select the following link Dardee Boorai: the Victorian Charter of Safety and Wellbeing for Aboriginal Children and Young People

Wannik:  Education Strategy for Koorie Students

Wannik, our Department's Education Strategy for Koorie Students in Victoria, represents a new era of collaboration in Victoria where the system will reposition the education of Koorie students within all of our schools through strong leadership that creates a culture of high expectations and individualised learning for Koorie students.  The overarching principle of the strategy is about delivering the best possible education to Victoria’s Koorie students.  Wannik, from the Gunai/Kurnai language, means Learning Together - Journey to Our Future. For further information select the following link Wannik: Education Strategy for Koorie Students

 

Other Resources

Policy and Guidelines

Procedures and Forms

Legislation

Further Information for schools

Useful links

Conduct and Ethics Branch

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