Where we are up to
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) continues to deliver the Charter Education Program (CEP) in collaboration with the DJCS Human Rights Unit.
- To date, more than 160 CEP sessions have been delivered within the justice and policing sectors, reaching more than 3,000 public sector staff and police.
- This training routinely uses scenarios involving Aboriginal cultural rights in training sessions with the VPS to raise awareness of cultural rights under the Charter and build experience in applying the rights in a practical context.
In 2021, VEOHRC piloted an intensive Charter training course – the Charter Capability Program (CCP) – involving 5 training sessions over 10–12 weeks with several cohorts, including Victoria Police senior officers from the Western Region. Over the past year, the Commission has delivered two CCP programs for senior prison officials to build capability to lead Charter compliance.
Additionally, we provide training to the Department of Justice and Community Safety Koori Youth Justice Program staff, regarding Aboriginal rights under the Charter, including cultural rights.
We continue to work closely with partners to identify realistic scenarios to tailor the sessions to particular workplaces,, frequently applying Aboriginal cultural rights where awareness is low. This has increased understanding in Charter rights and obligations, and created greater confidence in applying the Charter.
Background
All public authorities have obligations under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. VEOHRC works with staff and leaders in justice agencies to develop confidence and capacity to apply the Charter in practice. VEOHRC achieves this by delivering tailored face to face education, which embeds awareness of human rights and obligations, and builds capacity to protect and promote human rights in everyday decision making.