Liberty Victoria is deeply concerned about reports of the arrest by Victoria Police of a woman for the alleged incitement of an anti-lockdown protest.

It has been reported that the apparently pregnant woman was arrested and handcuffed in her own home in the presence of her young children because of a Facebook post. One that she offered to take down during the police raid. To describe this approach by police as heavy handed is a gross understatement.

Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment

(State of Emergency Extension and Other Matters) Bill (Vic) – Exposure Draft

Liberty Victoria makes the following comments on the Exposure Draft of the Health and Wellbeing Amendment (State of Emergency Extension and Other Matters) Bill (Vic) (the Bill). The Bill proposes amendments to the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) (the Act).

Liberty Victoria is concerned by reports that the Government is considering changing the law so that Victoria’s current state of emergency can be extended for a further 12 months.

At present, Victorian law ensures that a state of emergency cannot last more than 6 months. The current state of emergency, declared on 16 March 2020, is therefore due to expire in mid-September.

The current 6-month limit exists for a good reason. The declaration of a state of emergency imposes extraordinary limits on Victorians’ human rights.

When Dylan Alcott gives presentations, he sometimes asks the question “What’s worse than being in a wheelchair?”

Then he flashes up a picture of someone wearing that often contentious form of footwear – crocs.

Dylan is probably best known as a Paralympic gold medallist and grand slam tennis champion.

He is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities.

For Dylan, being in a wheelchair isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a person. Being hidden away and struggling for confidence and social inclusion probably is.

The secret trials of lawyer Bernard Collaery and Witness J challenge one of the fundamental bases of our legal system: the requirement for open justice and accountability.

In recognition of these extraordinary events it is my privilege to announce Bernard Collaery and Witness J as joint winners of Liberty Victoria’s Empty Chair Award, and to invite you to hear from Bernard at the Voltaire Awards Webinar on Friday 24 July at 7pm.  

Liberty Victoria is concerned by news that the Australian Federal Police has recommended that prosecutors consider laying charges against ABC journalist Dan Oakes. The recommended charges relate to Mr Oakes’ reporting on alleged war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. It has never been suggested that the allegations are untrue or inaccurate. 

Liberty Victoria honours Dujuan Hoosan with the Young Voltaire Human Rights Award. Dujuan was chosen for his courage and determination in challenging governments to change the age they imprison children.

At the tender age of 12, Dujuan was the youngest person ever to address the Human Rights Council at the United Nations, where he asked global leaders to support Australia to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years, in line with the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Rights, and for First Nations languages to be taught in schools.

All humans have the right to be treated equally, with dignity and respect. Sexual harassment is a breach of those fundamental rights, unlawful and unacceptable.

Liberty Victoria joins the voices of condemnation following the results of an independent High Court inquiry into the behaviour exhibited by the Hon Dyson Heydon AC QC in relation to six female complainants.

Women are frequently sexually harassed and assaulted at work and are entitled to feel safe and to effective protection against those and all other forms of discrimination.