"An annotated guide to the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities offers timely guidance to those who will be affected by the 1 January 2008 commencement of obligations under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic). As well as lawyers and practitioners, those affected will include government bodies, the public service, local councils, Victoria Police and all those who are required to act consistently with the human rights protected under the Charter." -- Provided by publisher.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (the Charter) came into full effect on 1st January 2008 and is an important step in fostering an inclusive human rights culture in Victoria. This document has been compiled to assist exploration of each of the substantive rights included in the Charter and it commits all public authorites to actively respect and protect these rights.

The author subjects the recently enacted Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) to a detailed series of criticisms. In particular, he considers the main operative provisions of this bill of rights, their provenance in the New Zealand and UK models, and the ways in which we can expect this instrument to hand significant powers to the judiciary.