How has the Victorian Charter impacted on the landscape of human rights in Victoria?
From a human rights lawyers perspective, its exciting because for the first time there is a hook on which to hang human rights arguments. The language of human rights and of common notions of freedom, respect ,equality and human dignity, is really empowering for individuals, so theres a lot to be said for people feeling as though there is that extra recognition of their rights. But there also needs to be a real effect on their lives, so its on a systemic level that it is hoped that the Charter will have the greatest impact. In light of your work at the HRLRC, what do you think about the direction that human rights law is taking in Australia? Australia is alone amongst western democratic nations in not having constitutional or legislative protection and codification of fundamental human rights. But the language and framework of human rights is starting to filter into the law and the community. Law students are learning about human rights and the Charter at law school, there are law firm
