3 May 2006
Victoria is about to become the first Australian state with a 'Bill of Rights', but this does not mean lawyers are in for a bumper crop of new clients and lawsuits, a Monash University human rights expert has said.
Attorney General Mr Rob Hulls has announced that the Bill for the Charter of Rights will be introduced to Parliament this week.
Associate Director of Monash University's Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Ms Paula Gerber said the new Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities was not like the US Bill of Rights and would not lead to a flood of litigation.
"The Charter is drafted in such a way that lawyers will not be able to line their pockets by pursuing claims of violations of an individual's Charter Rights," she said.
"Any suggestions that they can do so under this Charter are spurious."
Ms Gerber said the education sector, rather than the legal profession, would benefit most from the Charter.
"Research recently conducted in Victoria indicates that students in Melbourne secondary schools are generally receiving little, if any, education about human rights," Ms Gerber said.
"Having a Charter of Rights and Responsibilities will provide Victorian teachers with the tools and motivation to teach students about their rights and responsibilities as citizens in a free and democratic society.
"This legislation makes Victoria the first Australian state to protect peoples' basic human rights and dignity as guaranteed under international human rights treaties. It is a tremendous opportunity for all members of the Victorian community.
"Educating our youth about the Charter of Rights is one of the best ways to create a culture of human rights in Victoria. It ensures that future generations grow up knowing and embracing fundamental values such as tolerance, respect and equality."
For further information contact Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
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