2024 Report on the Operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

The 2024 Charter Report provides information and data for the 2024 calendar year on: 

• whether the Supreme Court made any declarations of inconsistent interpretation under the Charter of Human Rights 

• whether Parliament made any override declarations under the Charter of Human Rights 

• consideration of human rights by Parliament of Bills tabled throughout the year 

• a list of cases in courts and tribunals that raised the Charter of Human Rights. 

 

Charter in law making 

The Charter ensures human rights are considered at every stage of the law-making process in Victoria. All bills introduced into parliament must be accompanied by a statement of compatibility, which provides an overview of any human rights impacted by a bill and why any proposed limitations are reasonable and justified.  

In 2024, the Victorian Parliament actively engaged with the Charter and contemplated human rights issues during parliamentary debates and in the law-making process. 

The Charter in courts and tribunals 

Cases before courts provide an important mechanism for individuals and groups to assert their Charter rights, obtain remedies and achieve more rights-compliant outcomes. The Charter also allows the Commission to intervene in court proceedings to assist the court to understand and apply the Charter.