Who we are and what we do Page 11

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities identifies 20 human

rights applicable to all Victorians, and requires government and public

bodies to consider these rights when making laws and providing services.
· Right to recognition and equality before the law
· Right to life
· Right to protection from torture and cruel, inhuman

or degrading treatment

· Right to freedom from forced work
· Right to freedom of movement
· Right to privacy and reputation
· Right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief
· Right to freedom of expression
· Right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association
· Right to protection of families and children
· Right to take part in public life
· Right to protection of cultural rights
· Property rights
· Right to liberty and security of person
· Right to humane treatment when deprived of liberty
· Rights of children in the criminal process
· Right to a fair hearing
· Rights in criminal proceedings
· Right not to be tried or punished more than once
· Right to protection from retrospective criminal laws.

Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001

The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act makes it against the law to vilify

people because of their race or religion. Vilification is behaviour that

incites hatred, serious contempt, revulsion or severe ridicule of person or

group of people because of their race or religion. Serious vilification is a

criminal offence.

OUR LAWS

The Charter of
Human Rights and
Responsibilities
identifies 20
human rights
applicable to all
Victorians.