Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health

Description

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body thathelps people with complaints regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and racial orreligious vilification. It provides a free dispute resolution service that aims to achieve results by mutualagreement. The Commission also educates people about the rights and responsibilities contained inthe Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.

Services provided

  • Free telephone enquiry line
  • Free dispute resolution service
  • Information about equal opportunity, racial and religious vilification and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
  • Education, training and consultancy services

Eligibility

Available to all Victorians.

How to access

The National Relay Service (NRS)External Link is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)External Link is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.

Information about the Commission and about your rights in Victoria is available in languages other than EnglishExternal Link .

Costs

  • The Commission’s services are provided free of charge.
  • Calls are charged at the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.
  • Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate.

Tip

The Commission encourages complainants to keep the details of their complaint confidential because this may help to resolve the complaint. However, the conciliation process is confidential and anything said or done during conciliation cannot be used as evidence in a court or tribunal.

Important

  • The Commission is not a court or tribunal. It does not make judgments for or against either side, and it cannot award compensation. The Commission does not provide legal advice and it cannot act as an advocate.
  • The Commission does not manage complaints regarding breaches of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
  • Complaints regarding the Charter that involve a public authority can be made to the Victorian Ombudsman. Matters involving police misconduct can be referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)External Link .

Important

  • The Commission is not a court or tribunal. It does not make judgments for or against either side, and it cannot award compensation. The Commission does not provide legal advice and it cannot act as an advocate.
  • The Commission does not manage complaints regarding breaches of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
  • Complaints regarding the Charter that involve a public authority can be made to the Victorian Ombudsman. Matters involving police misconduct can be referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)External Link .