Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

DARU Update

19 March 2012

• IN THE NEWS
• EVENTS & TRAINING
• PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
• SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
• FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
• PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

IN THE NEWS

Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

On Wednesday 14 March the state government tabled its response to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulation Committee's Review of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and are committed to retaining and strengthening the Charter.

To read the government’s response an the report go to: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc/article/1446

Below are some responses to this news.

New Laws to Bolster Human Rights Charter

Farrah Tomazin, Sunday Age, 18 March 2012

The Baillieu government will move to strengthen Victoria's charter of human rights by making it harder for MPs to make legislative changes that affect basic freedoms.

After deciding to keep the controversial charter last week, the government will introduce new laws requiring MPs who want to significantly amend a bill to explain to Parliament how those changes impact on human rights.

Attorney-General Robert Clark, a vocal critic of the charter, said the move would strengthen parliamentary scrutiny and provide a safeguard that currently did not exist.

In an interview with The Sunday Age, the Attorney-General said the government is waiting on legal advice on possible changes to the way courts deal with the charter.

"I'm certainly not going to pre-empt the advice that we may obtain, or the decision that the government may make as a result of that advice, save to say the government has made clear that it believes there is an ongoing role for the courts in protecting rights in relation to the charter legislation," Mr Clark said.

Premier Ted Baillieu's decision to keep the charter has been widely welcomed by lawyers and human rights advocates, some of whom feared he would wind it back or scrap it altogether, amid ongoing reservations by several of his colleagues.

To read the full story, visit:

State Government Puts Human Rights First in Charter Decision

Media Release, VCOSS, 14 March 2012

The State Government’s commitment to retain and potentially strengthen the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities is a valuable step for justice, particularly for vulnerable Victorians.

‘The decision to retain the Charter and to look at expanding it to include international human rights considerations shows the Government is committed to the principles of human rights and recognises the value human rights protections provide to all Victorians,’ said Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Social Service.

‘The evidence from five years of operation shows that the Human Rights Charter has supported better results for people who are homeless, people with disabilities, Aboriginal Victorians and people experiencing mental illness, and has encouraged better and more accountable provision of services by both government and community sector organisations.’

‘VCOSS welcomes the Government’s recognition of the practical and meaningful benefits that the Human Rights Charter has delivered to all Victorians.’

‘The Baillieu Government is to be commended for adopting an evidence-based approach to the review of the Charter, and for not getting caught-up in unfounded opposition.’

‘VCOSS welcomes the news that the Government sees an “ongoing place for courts in protecting rights” under the Charter as well as their commitment to seek further advice on how courts and tribunals can best achieve this.’

‘VCOSS also welcomes that the Government will seek further advice as to the possible inclusion in the Charter of additional rights from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – such a step would provide greater protection to vulnerable Victorians.’

Commission Welcomes Government Decision to Retain the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Media Release, Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, 14 March 2012

The Commission welcomes the Victorian Government’s response to the review of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities tabled in Parliament today.
Acting Commissioner Karen Toohey said the response demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to human rights in Victoria. It also recognises that legislative protection of these rights provides tangible benefits to the Victorian community.
Ms Toohey also welcomed the Government’s statement that there is an “ongoing place for the courts in protecting rights” in relation to the Charter.
The Commission is pleased to note that a number of recommendations made in its submission to the review have been supported in the Government’s response. These include the addition of other rights under the United Nations’ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the development of a framework to understand the benefits of the Charter to the community.
Ms Toohey said the Commission supports the Government’s use of the review process to make the operation of the Charter clearer and more accessible and it will continue to work with the Government to ensure the Charter is a practical tool for all Victorians.

To read the media release online, visit:

http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1629:commission-welcomes-government-decision-to-retain-the-charter-of-human-rights-and-responsibilities-14-mar-2012&Itemid=3

Introduction of Disability Amendment Bill 2012

The Disability Amendment Bill 2012 has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament. The Bill updates the Disability Act 2006 with the following improvements

• Protect people’s rights
• Reduce administrative burden on disability service providers
• Clarify unintended consequences of the Act to align with the original policy intention
• Address technical and administrative issues that have arisen since the Act commenced.
• The Disability Services Commissioner will now be able to consider complaints about organisation including Disability Advocacy organisations.

The Bill also requires disability Advocacy organisations to operate a system to receive and resolve complaints.

The Bill is proposed to come into operation on July 1st 2012

For more information about the Bill, visit: http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubPDocs.nsf/ee665e366dcb6cb0ca256da400837f6b/2d45ab05d36d7f87ca2579b2007aed5a/$FILE/571119bi1.pdf

Verbal Communication Support Called into Question

ABC 7.30 Report, 13 March 2012

Questions are being asked about whether the practice of facilitated communication works. Last week’s 7-30 Report on the ABC explored this issue. To view the show or read the transcript visit

EVENTS & TRAINING

Being Person-Centred is Everyone's Business

This two day seminar series for individuals, families and paid workers committed to positive change and real inclusion. This seminar series provides a rare opportunity to hear from renowned International presenters that have been at the centre of driving person centred approaches.

Speakers include John O'Brien, Connie Lyle-O'Brien, Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn.

The Seminar includes a range of different topics of interest to:

• people with disability
• families
• direct care workers
• planners & facilitators
• CEO's & Managers

For further information about the Seminar Series including full seminar program please visit:

VALID in conjunction with field is presenting this seminar.

For more information contact VALID on phone 03 9416 4003, freecall (Victorian Rural only) 1800 655 570 or email or Leonie Davey at field on phone 9982 0109 or email

Social Action Workshops

YDAS is pleased to announce the first of a series of three Social Action Workshops we are running in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

The workshops are opened to young people with and without disabilities aged 25 years and under.

The first workshop in the series will be hosted by UK disability activist Johnny Crescendo and will allow young people with and without disabilities to come together and:

• learn about different ways to take action in their communities.
• learn how to have an influence on issues they care about.
• have the chance to take some action on an issue the group feels passionate about.

For more information check out the You-Tube clip about the workshop at:

Leaders for Tomorrow Program

The Leaders for Tomorrow program is a fully funded program which is open for applications for the third intake, closing on Friday, 27 April 2012.

The program is targeted at people who aspire to be leaders, or, to further develop their current leadership capacity.

Participants will have up to 12 months of access to training, coaching, mentoring and other leadership development opportunities. People with a broad range of skill levels and leadership interests are encouraged to apply.

A current participant identified that, "The aim of the program is for the participants to choose a goal they want to achieve over the next twelve months that will help them develop their leadership skills. It is a program for people who have a disability."

The Leaders for Tomorrow program will be delivered nationally by Hunter TAFE and E-QUAL (Enhancing Quality) and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Family, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

For more information contact TAFE Central Coast on phone 02 4350 2387, Free Call 1800 887 624 or visit the website at:

http://www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

Sociability: Social Media for People with a Disability

Social media is what allows anyone with an internet connection to publish their own content and connect with other people. Through it, we receive a wealth of information and interaction.

For people with a disability, such as a hearing, sight or mobility impairment, social media websites and applications have their own barriers. In late 2011, Media Access Australia undertook research to determine how the accessibility issues found in each of the most popular social media tools can be overcome.

Funded by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, the review aims to enable all users to have equal access to the inclusion which social media allows.

Australia’s most popular social media tools were tested for their accessibility. Users with disabilities then contributed their tips and tricks on how to overcome each social network’s inaccessible features.

To download the report in PDF, visit:

To download the report in Word, visit:

The Information Group

This edition includes information about the new supported employment document released by FaHCSIA and plain language insurance policies.

To read their latest newsletter, visit:

SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS

Deaf Secondary Students : Have Your Say About School

The Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is currently talking with students with disability, their parents and educators about what it is like to be a student at school in Victoria.

If you are a student who is deaf or has a hearing impairment, please come to our ‘have a say’ meeting, share some food with us and let us know what should be done to make sure school works well for young people with deafness or a hearing impairment.

The information we collect will be used for a report the Commission is writing about the experiences of students with disability in Victorian schools. This report will come out later in the year.

Come and have your say at our meeting on Thursday 29 March, 4pm to 5.30pm, at Deaf Children Australia.

If you can’t come to the meeting, there are other ways you can have your say:

• Take our online survey at:

http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/disabilityinschools

• Call the national relay service on 1300 555 727 and ask them to ring the Commission on 1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583. Or contact us using TTY at 1300 289 621. Lines are open weekdays 9am to 5pm.
• Chat with us online at:

http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/chat

For more information, download a PDF flyer at:

http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/files/Deaf%20students%20-%20Have%20your%20say%20about%20school.pdf

Or a Word version at:

http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/files/Deaf%20students%20-%20Have%20your%20say%20about%20school.doc

Focus Group Invitation: DVD Project Development

Women with Disabilities Victoria is running an exciting project this year focusing on improving access to health care for women with disabilities. Thanks to the Telematics Trust, we have received funding to film a DVD which will be used to inform and educate health practitioners and students about providing accessible and relevant health care for women with disabilities.

We’re very excited to welcome Sarah Barton on board, who will be working jointly with Grit Media and Fertile Films to produce the DVD.

Now we need your help to begin developing the content and script for the DVD.

At the beginning of April we’ll be running 3 focus groups to inform you about the project and get your feedback and ideas. Refreshments will be provided.

We’d particularly love to hear from you if you are aged between 18-35.

If you are unable to attend a focus group but would like to contribute, a teleconference may be organised, numbers permitting. The date and time of the teleconference is yet to be confirmed.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES-

National Disability Conference Initiative 2012-13

Eligible organisations may apply for funding up to a maximum of $12,000 for disability focused conferences held in Australia during 2012-13 to assist people with disability (including a family member or carer(s) to support them) with costs of attending such conferences, for example, conference fees, accommodation, travel; and/or facilitate access to such conferences for people with disability (including a family member or carer (s) to support them), for example, funding Auslan interpreters, live captioning services, hearing loops or note-takers for people who are deaf or hearing impaired.

For more information about the Initiative and how to apply, visit: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/funding/ndci_12_13/Pages/default.aspx

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

Raisers Edge Data Entry Officer

• Casual position
• Level Two: VCOSS EBA

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is looking for a Raisers Edge Expert to assist in the clean up and merging of approximately 3000 records. This role will be responsible for the establishment of systems and processes to ensure data integrity and allow future synchronisation.

You will report to the Sector Development and Systems Manager and be responsible for working collaboratively with the Membership and Database Officer.

As the ideal candidate, you must possess competence in Raisers Edge software. Experience with Importamatic, Eventbrite and Mailchimp is also desirable.

An ability to analyse data, manage data integrity with a keen eye for detail is integral in this role. You will have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with VCOSS’s diverse range of stakeholders.

VCOSS offers a number of flexible work conditions to help staff to achieve work-life balance. Salary and conditions of employment are governed by the Victorian Council of Social Service Enterprise Agreement 2006.

VCOSS values diversity and encourages applications from people with a disability, Indigenous Australians and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Applications close Friday 30th March 2012. Applications failing to address the selection criteria will not be considered.

To download the Position Description visit

Applications addressing the selection criteria should be forwarded to at

Call for Tax Help Organisations and Volunteers

As part of the annual Tax Help program, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is currently looking for organisations and volunteers who are willing and able to assist people with a disability.

Each year, more than 50,000 people receive assistance in completing their tax returns through the Tax Help program. Facilitated by the ATO, the program has proved successful thanks to the tireless work of volunteers and organisations alike, who dedicate time and energy each year to help people in their communities meet their tax obligations.

In 2012, we hope to expand the number of dedicated Tax Help centres available for people with a disability. To make this possible, we need the support of organisations that are willing to establish a centre in their premises.

If you feel there is a need for a dedicated Tax Help centre for people with a disability in your area, we encourage you to consider getting involved. Centres help recruit volunteers, take bookings and provide space and resources for volunteers to meet with their clients during tax time (July to October). We will provide you with all of the support you need in setting up your centre, including training for your volunteers and ongoing support throughout tax time.

In addition to establishing more dedicated Tax Help centres, we also hope to increase the number of volunteers available to assist people with a disability in our established centres. With more than 800 centres active nationally each year, we will work with volunteers to place them in a centre that is convenient for them.

For more information on Tax Help, visit our website at:

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.aspx?doc=/content/9172.htm&alias=taxhelp and navigate to ‘Becoming a Tax Help volunteer or Tax Help centre’ or email your details to

Your support in helping us improve our Tax Help program for people with a disability is appreciated.

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