In this research paper, the Tasmania Law Reform Institute (TLRI) has reviewed and updated its 2007 report on human rights in Tasmania, upholding its key recommendations which included the need for a Charter of Rights. The TLRI makes 21 recommendations and urges Tasmania to become the fourth jurisdiction in Australia to adopt human rights legislation.

The Institute contends that a Charter of Human Rights or a Human Rights Act should be adopted and an independent Human Rights Commissioner appointed to better protect Tasmanians. 

Other key recommendations are that:

• The charter or act cover public functions including emergency, utility, public housing, education, health, disability and transport services, along with the operation of correctional and detention facilities;
• Human rights statements, prepared by a new Human Rights Unit, accompany all Bills introduced into parliament;
• A dedicated Parliamentary Human Rights Scrutiny Committee be established to examine all Bills for compatibility with human rights;
• An independent office of Tasmanian Human Rights Commissioner be established;
• A direct form of redress be available to victims where a public authority has breached the new laws.

The Institute confirmed the right to religious freedom should be included in a human rights enactment. It identified a need to consider the treatment of religious bodies within a human rights and anti-discrimination framework in more detail and recommended this be considered in a further review.