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. Victoria is the first Australian state to provide for formal protection of civil and political human rights. 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.
DEECD policies and guidelines are currently being reviewed. Once the review is complete, DEECD will advise of any changes to policies and guidelines, any practical implications and next steps.
The DEECD Human Rights campaign was launched on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2007.
Other Resources
Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (PDF - 720Kb)
Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities: Implications and Advice for Schools (http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/multicultural/tchhrcharter.htm
Human Rights Education (http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/multicultural/tchhumanrights.htm)
Charter of Human Rights and Schools Checklist (PDF, 30Kb)
Human Rights Charter postcard (PDF - 424Kb)
Human Rights Charter brochure (PDF - 188Kb)
Human Rights Charter Fact sheet (PDF - 75Kb)
For more information go to:
Victorian Department of Justice: www.justice.vic.gov.au/humanrights
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission: www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
Human Rights Law Resource Centre: www.hrlrc.org.au
Human Rights Workshops (http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au)
DEECD Human Rights Representatives
Human Rights Representative Information Sheet (PDF - 77KB)
Human Rights Representative Role Statement (PDF - 39KB)
Human Rights Representative PEC Statement (PDF - 44KB)
