Wider Role

The introduction of a Human Rights Act could have a wider role beyond redressing proven denial or abuse of certain human rights through the courts.

For example, it could have an informal role in helping or encouraging decision makers in government to:

• see problems in a new light
• look for solutions which respect human rights
• seek to improve respect for human rights as a result of education and training about human rights and
• raise public awareness about human rights which in turn empowers people to require that government agencies respect their rights.

A recent report by the British Institute of Human Rights illustrates how the UK Human Rights Act has been of real practical assistance to ordinary people in their dealings with public authorities.

There are certainly differences between the UK Human Rights Act and the draft Bill proposed for Western Australia.

However, three of the case studies in the UK report are particularly interesting and could possibly illustrate additional benefits that might arise from a WA Human Rights Act.

For instance, in the UK report, called The Human Rights Act - Changing Lives, Case Study 1 shows how a government agency remedied its actions. Case Study 9 and Case Study 13 highlight the effect of improving decision making processes.

• Further References