Liberty Victoria on Protest Rights

Submitted by Gemma Cafarella on Thu, 12/09/2024 - 15:24

The freedom to protest is fundamental to democracy. Protesters have the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights, and are protected by the implied freedom of political communication under our Constitution. 

Liberty Victoria calls on the State Government and Victoria Police to ensure that Victorians are able to protest freely.

We have seen shocking scenes of militarised police clashing with protesters in central Melbourne. Liberty Victoria denounces any and all violence used at the protest.

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Protest rights

Comment on the Criminal Organisations Control Amendment Bill 2024

In relation to the Criminal Organisations Control Amendment Bill 2024 (Vic) (the Bill), Liberty Victoria opposes the Bill in its current form. We are deeply concerned that this Bill will result in the increasing normalisation of potentially draconian orders being made in circumstances where a person has not been convicted (or even charged) for a criminal offence. 

Submission in relation to the Inquiry into the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic)

Liberty Victoria is grateful for the opportunity to make this submission in relation to the inquiry into the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic). 

Freedom of information (FOI) is a fundamental human right in itself, and a touchstone for all other rights and freedoms exercised by individuals within a functioning democratic society.

To ensure the full enjoyment of this right, there must be “free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives”.
 

Liberty Victoria's Empty Chair Human Rights Award Winner 

Submitted by admin on Wed, 23/10/2024 - 15:48

In an era in which social media revolution has created an avalanche of disinformation and conflicts polarise communities across the world, the role of independent journalism has never been more critical to the protection of human rights and civil liberties.  The role of journalists can be dangerous and come at a high personal price, particularly when reporting from conflict zones.  The extreme price that journalists can pay for their commitment to their ideals has been brought into tragic focus in Palestine where, at the time of writing, over 120 journalists are reported to have been killed

Comment on the Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Bill 2024

Committal hearings have long served as a critically important part of the protections afforded in Victoria to persons accused of serious crimes. The current system holds significant value in ensuring adequate disclosure, promoting the early resolution of cases, minimising the impact on vulnerable witnesses and ultimately easing pressure on the criminal justice system.

Inquiry into the Migration Amendment Bill 2024 (Cth)

This Bill should be withdrawn without delay.

Politicised attacks on people based on their visa status must end. The harms inflicted are severe, generational, and go to the heart of Australian culture and community.

We must all be equal before the law. Refugees and migrants are members of the community like any other, and should be permitted to live in dignity, security and peace – not in a parallel, ever-shifting universe where they are relentlessly vilified, punished, and discarded.

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024

There needs to be a more considered approach. Liberty Victoria advocates for more targeted interventions that aim to minimise harms while preserving social media’s benefits for children under the age of 16. A blanket ban will be ineffective and indeed will make matters worse – and expose children to more harm – as the use of social media by children is pushed underground.

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