Done By Law

DBL: Changes to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity laws. Is it time to panic?

Victoria has had Equal Opportunity laws since 1977.  The new Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 was the brainchild of the former State government.  The new Act is due to commence on 1 August this year.  However, the current State government has introduced proposed changes into Parliament regarding the new Act.  Some argue that these proposed amendments are a step back for anti-discrimination laws.  In addition, the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities is currently being reviewed.  Joining us tonight on Done By Law to discuss the changes to both pieces of legislation is someone who works wtih these laws on a daily basis- the Commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Helen Szoke.

Discrimination, Young People, and the case they won - 21 December 2010

In October this year, Cobaw Community Health Service won their case of unlawful discrimination against Christian Youth Camps (CYC).

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found CYC’s failure to accept Cobaw’s application to accommodate members of their queer suicide prevention and support group, “Wayout” at their Phillip Island Adventure Resort amounted to unlawful discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act.

Tonight on Done By Law we talk to Sue Hackney, project co-ordinator for Wayout, about the decision.

Tune in on 855AM tonight.

DBL: Discrimination on basis of sexuality in Victoria, Australia: 13 October 2009

Tonight on done by law we are joined by Hayley Conway from the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby to discuss how the ‘right to religious freedom’ is used trump justice and equal rights. While Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of a particular attribute – including race, disability, age, physical features, political belief or activity, breastfeeding, sexuality, gender and marital status - Victoria has more exemptions to its equal opportunity law than any other state in Australia.

DBL: Racism Project 17 February 2009

Tonight on Done By Law we interview Shane Reside who, in conjunction with Bec Smith are the project workers for the new ‘Racism Project’; a project auspiced jointly by Western Suburbs, Fitzroy and Springvale Monash Community Legal Services.

The project is designed to conduct research into racism across Melbourne, and collaboratively develop strategies to address issues arising from that research.

Shane will discuss the possible ways that this project will evolve over a period of one year.

We also discuss news in brief with a focus on the social justice issues that have arisen.