The Queensland Human Rights Act came into force on January 1st. Commencement of the Act means public entities have a specific obligation to act and make decisions compatible with human rights. An organisation or department is defined as a public entity if it delivers services on behalf of the Queensland Government. The Human Rights Act protects 23 human rights:
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- 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.
The newly established Queensland Human Rights Commission, which replaces the Anti-Discrimination Commission, will administer the new Human Rights Act. For more information about the Human Rights Act 2019 and the Queensland Human Rights Commission visit www.qhrc.qld.gov.au
