The Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) (the Act) commenced operation in full on 1 January 2020. The Act consolidates various human rights that were protected under other legislation and the common law. There are 23 human rights including right to life, property rights, privacy and reputational rights, cultural rights and the right to freedom of expression.
The Act protects people’s human rights when they interact with Council and other public entities. Council needs to act compatibly with human rights when making decisions and providing services.
The main objectives of the Act are to:
- Protect and promote human rights;
- Help build a culture in the Queensland public sector that respects and promotes human rights; and
- Help promote a dialogue about the nature, meaning and scope of human rights.
Ipswich City Council respects the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings and is committed to promoting the objectives of the Act.
See Council’s Human Rights Policy (PDF, 355.3 KB).
How can I lodge a Human Rights Complaint?
In the event you feel that Council has acted incompatibly with your human rights, you can make a complaint to Council:
- phone Council on 07 3810 6666 and ask to be put through to the complaints management unit (CMU)
- TTY Phone - 133 677 then ask for (07) 3810 6666
- Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 07 3810 6666
- Internet relay users connect to the NRS internet-relay.nrscall.gov.au then ask for 07 3810 6666.
- If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service www.relayservice.gov.au
- Visit a Customer Service Centre in person
- Write to Council online cmu@ipswich.qld.gov.au
- Via the online feedback form
- Postal service – PO Box 191 Ipswich QLD 4305
If Council:
- (a) fails respond to your complaint after 45 business days; or
- (b) responds to your complaint but you do not consider the response adequate you may make a complaint to the Human Rights Commissioner.
You may only make a complaint about an act or decision that occurred on or after 1 January 2020. If there are exceptional circumstances, the Human Rights Commissioner may accept your complaint before the 45 business days has elapsed. The Human Rights Commissioner may refuse to deal with your complaint if it is not made within one (1) year after the alleged contravention occurred.
The Queensland Human Rights Commission website provides information and resources about human rights and making human rights complaints. Access the Queensland Human Rights Commission website.
Resources
Human Rights Policy (PDF, 355.3 KB)
Fact Sheet: Contractors and Grant Recipients of council – obligations under the Human Rights Act