Human Rights Charter review – respecting Victorians

PIAC supports a ‘human rights approach’ as a means of fostering a fair, just and democratic society. This submission  assesses the operation and impact of the Charter. PIAC approached this review with the aim of providing an independent critique of the Charter’s operation by analysing the available evidence regarding the Charter’s operation. The submission concludes that the Charter is having a significant, positive impact in protecting human rights and, more importantly, the principles of dignity and respect that underlie human rights. The Charter achieves these goals in a way that is efficient and cost-effective, avoiding unnecessary litigation. PIAC reached this conclusion with reference to data regarding the Charter’s operation, and by comparing how human rights issues would be dealt with under the Charter in Victoria, and without a Charter in NSW. This submission also identifies a number of ways in which the Charter could be improved.