Human Rights Act 2019

The Human Rights Act 2019 commences in full on January 1, 2020. The Act protects 23 Human Rights. Public entities must uphold these rights when they make decisions, create laws, set policies and provide services.

The main objects 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.

The Act aims to ensure that public powers and functions are exercised in a principled way and that public power is not misused. The Act compliments a number of other pieces of legislation that are aimed at regulating the relationship between individuals and the state, such as the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991; the Judicial Review Act 1991; the Ombudsman Act 2001; the Crime and Corruption Act 2001; the Right to Information Act 2009; and the Information Privacy Act 2009.

Complaints

From 1 January 2020, people are able to make a complaint if the public entity acts or makes decisions inconsistently with the Human Rights Act.

The Act requires that complaints are made directly to the relevant public entity in the first instance.

Complaints may be made by:

By completing council's Complaint Lodgement Form, which can be accessed and lodged via the council's website.

By email to complaints@mackay.qld.gov.au

In writing to:
Chief Executive Officer
Mackay Regional Council
PO Box 41
MACKAY QLD 4740

If the complaint is not responded to, or not adequately responded to, after 45 business days have passed the person may make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission.

The Commission may refuse to deal with the complaint if it is not made within 1 year of the public entity’s decision or action. Complaints may also be accepted by the Commission within the 45 business day period of the Commissioner considers there are exceptional circumstances. Complaints will only be able to be made regarding acts or decisions which occur on or after 1 January 2020.

For more information about your rights or how to make a complaint that falls under the Human Rights Act 2019 click here