In May 2004, the Victorian Attorney-General launched a ten year strategy to modernise Victoria's justice system, that stressed the need to 'ensure that human rights are valued and protected and that issues of inequality and disadvantage are demonstrably addressed by the justice system'.
As a part of this, the Victorian Government is considering introducing a Human Rights Charter. The Government has appointed a Human Rights Consultation Committee to consult with the community on how best to protect and promote human rights in Victoria. The Consultation Committee will then make recommendations on a suitable framework for human rights in Victoria in light of the views of the Victorian community.
PILCH is currently preparing a submission to the Consultation Committee and urges individuals to make their own submissions. This is an important opportunity for Victorians to have a say about issues such as the importance of all civil, economic, social and political rights and the need for those rights to be properly respected, protected and fulfilled. Individuals can fill out an online submission form available on the Human Rights Project Website that takes only a few minutes to complete. Individuals are able to comment on the 10 key issues put before the Consultation Committee, or make a note to the Consultation Committee stating their position on human rights protection in Victoria.