In our campaign to strengthen Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights we’re pulling out all stops. We’re producing thorough evidence-based submissions, providing testimony to parliamentary committees and… (ahem) employing the help of an adorable miniature horse with dwarfism named Koda.
Why? Why not? There so much to love about Koda and there’s so much to love about the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Charter protects the fundamental human rights of all Victorians.
- It ensures our politicians and public servants consider the human impacts of their decisions.
- And it allows our independent court system to alert the parliament and public when laws infringe our human rights.
The Baillieu Government is currently reviewing the operation of the Charter and considering whether to strengthen it – or to become the first developed democracy in the world to weaken or scrap human rights protections.
So get on board and join Koda and the Human Rights Law Centre in calling for the Charter to be strengthened. Contact the Premier’s office today and tell Ted that you ♥ Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights!
On this page:
- Koda investigates the ‘pending flood of litigation’
- Koda thinks everyone should have the right to a “stable” home
- Koda investigates the costs associated with the Victorian Charter
- Koda “rights” a letter to Premier Baillieu
- Koda investigates claims of a “lawyers’ picnic”
- Koda raps to the Charter’s tune
- Frequently Asked Questions about Koda – and the Charter
- What Can I Do?
Koda Adventure #2953: Koda, miniature horse, and the case of the mysterious ‘flood of litigation’
Koda thinks everyone should have the right to a “stable” home
Koda investigates the costs associated with the Victorian Charter
Koda Adventure #853: Koda, miniature horse, “rights” to Premier Baillieu
Koda Adventure #1765: Koda, miniature horse, and the case of the phantom lawyers’ picnic
Koda raps to the Charter’s tune
Frequently Asked Questions – About Koda and the Charter
How old is Koda?
Koda is 3 years old.
How old is the Victorian Charter?
The Victorian Charter is 4 years old and during its lifetime it has been quietly and effectively ensuring that the human rights of people in Victorian are appropriately considered by the Victorian Government and its agencies.
What sort of horse is Koda?
Koda is an American Miniature horse that was born with dwarfism.
What is the Victorian Charter?
The Victorian Charter is important legislation that requires the government to appropriately consider human rights. It does this in three key ways:
- When making new laws and policies, the Victorian Government must explain how they are compatible with the human rights protected in the Charter
- When making decisions and delivering services, the Victorian Government and its agencies (known as “public authorities”) must give proper consideration to human rights
- Courts are able to review decisions to ensure that the Government has given proper consideration to human rights and to interpret Victorian laws in a way that is compatible with human rights where it is possible to do so
Further information about Koda
Koda stands at just under 60cm tall and weighs around 35kg. He has faced many health challenges associated with his dwarfism, but Koda’s owner, Karen Stephenson is a veterinary nurse, and together with Dr Andy Lynch from the Yarrambat Veterinary Clinic they provide him with the best of care.
Koda has received attention for all over the world but he’s now focused on ensuring that Victoria retains and strengthens its Charter of Human Rights.
Further information about the Victorian Charter
The Victorian Charter is currently being reviewed by the Government after its first 4 years of operation. The review is being conducted by a parliamentary committee that is due to report to parliament around 15 September.
After 4 years, clear evidence is emerging that the Victorian Charter is having a beneficial impact on the operation of government and individuals in the community. The Charter’s review therefore presents a significant opportunity to strengthen and enhance its operation, rather than weaken it.
Click here for further information about the Victorian Charter and the Review.
What can I do?
- Contact the Premier’s office today and tell Ted that you ♥ Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights!
- Like Koda Hearts the Charter on Facebook:
- Follow Koda on Twitter:
