We respect your rights at every level of the business, from decisions made in the office to how our workers treat you. It is important that you understand your rights as well.

Victorian Charter of Human Rights

The Charter Act contains twenty rights that promote and protect the values of freedom, respect, equality and dignity. The Victorian Government, local councils and other public authorities must consider how human rights are protected when creating legislation, implementing policies or delivering services. The Charter Act protects the following rights in Victoria:

• Right to be recognised and treated equally before the law

• Right to life and to not have your life taken without a lawful reason

• Protection from cruel treatment or punishment, including torture and medical treatment without consent

• Freedom from forced work or slavery

• Right to move freely within Victoria, to come into and leave Victoria, and to choose where to live

• Right to privacy and to protect your reputation

• Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief

• Right to hold an opinion and freedom of expression

• Right to gather together, take part in a peaceful demonstration or protest, and to join groups such as political, sport or union groups

• Protection of families and children

• Right to take part in public life, including the right to vote

• Right to enjoy your culture, practice your religion, and speak your language

• Right not to have your property taken away, unless the law says it can be taken

• Right not to be arrested or detained unfairly, and right to the security of person, such as protection from harassment and threats in everyday life

• Right to be treated humanely when arrested or detained

• Protection of children in the criminal process

• Right to a fair hearing

• Rights in criminal proceedings including the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty

• Right not to be tried or punished more than once for the same crime

• Right not to be found guilty of a crime if the behaviour was not against the law when it happened.

• Every new law made by the Victorian Parliament is now accompanied by a Statement of Compatibility, which explains whether the law is compatible with the human rights in the Charter Act. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE VIC JUSTICE WEB-PAGE HERE: