Human Rights in Focus: 20 Years of the Charter - Ensuring Our Human Rights Laws Are Fit for Modern Day Victoria

Join us for a special Human Rights in Focus seminar presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (the Commission).

Human Rights in Focus is a seminar series delivered as part of the Charter Education Program (CEP). It creates a space for Victorian public sector staff to explore contemporary human rights issues in practice, connect legal principles to lived experience, and strengthen confidence in applying the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (the Charter) in everyday decision-making.

This special event marks the 20th anniversary of the Charter.

Over the past 20 years, the Charter has helped make Victoria a fairer, safer and more inclusive place to live. It has protected and promoted the rights of people across Victoria and provided an important framework to guide public decision-making, while recognising that we all share a responsibility to respect the rights of others.

Yet there is always room for improvement.

Join our panel: Ro Allen AM, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Rob Hulls AM, former Attorney-General and Marlo Baragwanath, Victorian Ombudsman.

Together, the panel will explore:

• The origins and purpose of the Charter

• The Charter's impact over the past 20 years

• The role of the Charter in shaping public sector decision-making

• Opportunities and challenges for the future of human rights protection in Victoria

• What is needed to ensure the Charter remains fit for modern-day Victoria

This session invites Victorian public sector staff to reflect on the Charter's legacy and consider its future role in promoting and protecting human rights across Victoria.

🗓️ Date: Tuesday 21 July 2026

⏰ Time: 2.00pm - 3.00pm (AEST)

💻 Delivery: Online via livestream

🎟️ Cost: Free to attend - registration required

About the Panellists

Commissioner Ro Allen

Ro is Victoria's Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner. For more than three decades they have worked to build understanding, advocate and drive lasting change for marginalised communities. As a leader at all levels of LGBTIQA+ inclusion, Commissioner Allen also established the Victorian Pride Centre (VPC), as well as driving more than 15 pieces of legislation to the benefit of LGBTIQA+ Victorians. As our Commissioner, Ro continues to collaborate with law and policy makers, institutions and communities to enable law reform and systemic change that promotes and protects human rights throughout Victoria.

Rob Hulls

Rob served as Victoria's Attorney-General and Deputy Premier from 1999 to 2010. During his time as Attorney-General, he led significant reforms to Victoria's legal system, including the introduction of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic). He currently works in the justice sector and has been a longstanding advocate for human rights and social justice reform.

Marlo Baragwanath

Marlo is the Victorian Ombudsman. Prior to her appointment in 2024, she served as Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission and Victorian Government Solicitor. Marlo is committed to supporting the public sector to make fair and reasonable decisions, uphold integrity and promote human rights.

Contact the host of 20 years of the Charter: ensuring our human rights laws are fit for modern-day Victoria

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