Human rights

On 1 January 2020, the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) (the Act) commenced operation. The Act protects 23 human rights derived from international law. The rights protected include but are not limited to privacy rights, property rights, cultural rights and the right to freedom of expression. 

The main objects of the Act are to:

  • protect and promote human rights
  • build a culture of human rights in the Queensland public sector that respects and promotes human rights
  • help promote a dialogue about the nature, meaning and scope of human rights. 

Brisbane City Council is committed to creating a culture of human rights which benefits and protects all individuals in Brisbane, as well as meeting its obligations under the Act.  

How to lodge a human rights complaint

In the event you consider Council has not fulfilled its obligations in upholding your human rights, you may make a complaint to Council. In Queensland, only individuals are considered to have human rights under the Act (i.e. a corporation will not have human rights).

Human Rights complaints made by all means will be accepted. It is Council’s preference that you make your complaint in writing, addressed to the Disputes Commissioner, via:

  • mail:
    GPO Box 1434
    Brisbane Qld 4001
  • email.

If you wish to make a complaint to Council about an issue which does not concern human rights, visit Council's website

In order to ensure that complaints are dealt with efficiently, Council requests that you:

  • identify which of the 23 human rights you believe have not been adhered to by Council
  • provide all evidence that you wish to rely on in your initial complaint
  • cooperate with Council’s inquiries and investigations
  • treat all Council staff with courtesy and respect. 

Council will endeavour to respond and resolve your complaint within 45 business days.

If Council does not respond to your complaint within 45 business days, or you do not consider Council’s response is adequate, you may make a complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission. 

Queensland Human Rights Commission

Please note that you may only make a human rights complaint about an act or decision that occurred on or after 1 January 2020. 

If there are exceptional circumstances, the Queensland Human Rights Commission may accept your complaint prior to the 45 days elapsing. 

The Queensland Human Rights Commission may refuse to deal with your complaint if a period of more than one year has elapsed since the date of the act or decision. 

Visit the Queensland Human rights Commission website for further information. 

Resources

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Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.