January 3, 2020
New human rights legislation came into force in Queensland on January 1.
Acting Attorney-General Dr Anthony Lynham said the Human Rights Act 2019 meant public entities had a specific obligation to act and make decisions compatible with human rights.
“Queenslanders will no longer have to rely on a patchwork of protections when they believe their freedom, equality or dignity is being challenged by a public entity,” he said.
“Instead they will have access to a momentous piece of legislation – one that protects their human rights when interacting with public entities.
“This includes the State Government, Local Government, public service employees and other organisations performing public work.
“It’s a significant step towards a human rights-based approach to government planning, policy and service delivery.”
The Human Rights Act protects 23 human rights:
- Recognition and equality before the law;
- Right to life;
- Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
- Freedom from forced work;
- Freedom of movement;
- Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief;
- Freedom of expression;
- Peaceful assembly and freedom of association;
- Taking part in public life;
- Property rights;
- Privacy and reputation;
- Protection of families and children;
- Cultural rights — generally;
- Cultural rights — Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders;
- Right to liberty and security of person;
- Humane treatment when deprived of liberty;
- Fair hearing;
- Rights in criminal proceedings;
- Children in the criminal process;
- Right not to be tried or punished more than once;
- Retrospective criminal laws;
- Right to education; and
- Right to health services.
Dr Lynham said the newly established Queensland Human Rights Commission, which replaces the Anti-Discrimination Commission, would administer the Human Rights Act.
“The Queensland Human Rights Commission will also have the power to receive and conciliate human rights complaints,” he said.
