The proposal reported on in the media that there was consideration to reduce jury sizes from 12 to 8 is wrong and should not be implemented. Rather than rush through such a fundamental change to a core institution of our criminal justice system the Parliament ought to introduce practical measures which will significantly increase the number of cases which can be dealt with, without interfering with established rights of citizens.

Liberty Victoria is very concerned about the new powers sought to be introduced by the COVID‑19 (Emergency Measures) Bill.

In particular, we are concerned about how the new powers of what seems to be preventative detention will affect vulnerable people. We have previously publicly discussed these concerns in the media.  

Liberty Victoria is deeply concerned by reports that some of the extraordinary measures introduced by the Government, and in particular the imposition of a curfew, were not made on the considered advice of public health officials and Victoria Police.

Liberty Victoria is deeply concerned and troubled about reports of the violent apprehension of Aboriginal man Korey Penny, while he was on his way to work.

Mr Penny was cycling to work and spear-tackled to the ground by a Victoria Police member. Victoria Police allege that he was cycling without lights and did not stop when told by police to do so.

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.