Vic: Victoria to enshrine human rights in law

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2005
Vic: Victoria to enshrine human rights in law

Victoria will become the first state in Australia to introduce a charter that enshrines
human rights and responsibilities in law.

Attorney-General ROB HULLS says the state government will enact a charter next year
.. along the lines of British and New Zealand systems .. rather than a US-style bill of
rights.

He says the charter will force present and future governments to consider human rights
before making decisions or legislation .. and give the rights greater weight in Victoria's
courts.

The move has been welcomed by the state's legal fraternity and human rights bodies.

AAP RTV jb/ibw/tm

KEYWORD: RIGHTS (MELBOURNE)

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