Charter of Human Rights Policy

POLICY TITLE	CHARTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS
POLICY NUMBER	POL/GOV008
DATE ADOPTED	NOVEMBER 2007
LAST REVIEW	DECEMBER 2020
NEXT REVIEW	DECEMBER 2023
DOWNLOAD	Charter of Human Rights (pdf 176kb)

Purpose

The policy sets out Council’s position to ensure compatibility and compliance with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (the Charter).

Scope

The Policy applies to all Council local laws, policies, directives, procedures, project delivery and service delivery as well as when Council manages risk, makes decisions and manages complaints. Council is required to ensure that the policy principles are universally adopted  and that all staff have an awareness and respect for the intent of the Charter of Human Rights.

Policy

The Policy applies to all Council local laws, policies, directives, procedures, project delivery
and service delivery as well as when Council manages risk, makes decisions and manages
complaints. Council is required to ensure that the policy principles are universally adopted
and that all staff have an awareness and respect for the intent of the Charter of Human
Rights.

Freedom

The principle of freedom includes:

• freedom from forced work
• freedom of movement
• freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief
• freedom of expression
• right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association
• property rights
• right to liberty and security of the person
• fair hearing
• rights in criminal proceedings
• right not to be tried or punished more than once
• protection from retrospective criminal laws.

Respect

The principle of respect includes:

• right to life
• protection of families and children
• cultural rights, including recognition of the distinct cultural rights of the Aboriginal
  people of Victoria.

Equality

The principle of equality includes:

• recognition and equality before the law
• entitlement to participate in public life (including voting).

Dignity

The principle of dignity includes:

• prohibition on torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
• protection of privacy and reputation
• humane treatment when deprived of liberty
• appropriate treatment of children in the criminal process.

Related Policies

• POL/STAFF105 Equal Opportunity Policy

Related Legislation

• Crimes Act 1958
• Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1995
• Freedom Of Information Act 1982
• Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
• Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012
• Crimes Act 1914 (Cmwlth)
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cmwlth)
• Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1996 (Cmwlth)
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cmwlth)
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cmwlth)

Signed: Bill Moar (Mayor)
Date: 17/12/2020