Practical Workshop on How to Participate in the Review of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights
Date: Mon 16th May 2011
Practical Workshop on How to Participate in the Review of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights
Dates and Times:
You can register for one of the following sessions:
Monday 16 May 2011: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Tuesday 17 May 2011: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Wednesday 18 May 2011: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Thursday 19 May 2011: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue:
Human Rights Law Centre – Level 17 / 461 Bourke St Melbourne
Cost:
None
Registration essential:
Email administration@fclc.org.au indicating which of the above sessions you would like to attend.
Details:
On 2 May 2011 the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee announced the commencement of the Review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The Review will focus on the impact of the Charter to date and what options there are for reform or improvement of the Charter. The deadline for written submissions is 10 June 2011.
We invite you to attend one of four sessions where we will discuss effective ways in which your organisation can participate in the Charter Review.
Presenters
Ben Schokman of the Human Rights Law Centre will facilitate the session.
Each session will cover the following:
Background to the Charter Review, including a summary of the Attorney General?s stated positions on the Charter, the terms of reference and the opportunity and imperative for action.
Facilitated discussion of the experiences of workshop participants in using the Charter as an advocacy tool.
How to make a submission and encouraging your clients to make submissions. Template submission documents and other materials will be provided.
Background to the Charter Review
The Charter requires the Attorney-General to cause a review of the first four years of its operation to be undertaken. The Attorney-General has requested the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) to undertake this review.
The Charter review presents a significant opportunity to strengthen and enhance the operation of Charter.
It is imperative that the review be guided by evidence and real-life experiences of those communities for whom the Charter is particularly relevant.
SARC has invited the community to make written submissions which address the following terms of reference:
1. Whether the Charter should include additional human rights under the Charter, including but not limited to, rights under the:
(a) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
(b) Convention on the Rights of the Child; and
(c) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women?
2. Whether the right to self-determination should be included in the Charter?
3. Whether there should be mandatory regular auditing of public authorities to assess compliance with human rights?
4. Whether the Charter should include further provisions with respect to legal proceedings that may be brought or remedies that may be awarded in relation to acts or decisions of public authorities made unlawful by the Charter?
5. What have been the effects of the Charter Act on:
(a) the development and drafting of statutory provisions;
(b) the consideration of statutory provisions by Parliament;
(c) the provision of services, and the performance of other functions, by public authorities;
(d) litigation and the roles and functioning of courts and tribunals; and
(e) the availability to Victorians of accessible, just and timely remedies for infringements of rights?
6. What if any, have been the overall benefits and costs of the Charter?
7. What options are there for reform or improvement of the regime for protecting and upholding rights and responsibilities in Victoria?