Liberty Victoria wishes to endorse the submission made by the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties to the Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Character and General Visa Cancellation) Bill 2014.
Of particular concern to Liberty is the increase in the Minister's personal powers under s 501, which have no merits review. We see this as contrary to the rule of law.
Joint statement on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014
15 October 2014
The Australian Government has an important duty to protect the community from terrorism. At times, laws can legitimately limit the rights of individuals for the purpose of countering this threat, provided the limitations are necessary and proportionate.
In fact, national security laws and the protection of human rights share complementary goals; both are concerned with protecting Australians from harm.
Liberty Victoria has joined civil liberties organisations throughout Australia in criticising national security laws being rushed through federal parliament in the Counter Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014.
These new laws risk crippling Australians’ rights and freedom of movement.
Committee review period too hasty on 'Foreign Fighters' Bill
Liberty Victoria shares NSW Council for Civil Liberties concern of the haste with which counter-terrorism legislation is coming into Parliament.
These are very significant pieces of legislation with significant implications for our freedoms and democratic values. It is very important that we consider them carefully and responsibly and that the Australian public fully understands what they mean and if they are necessary.
Liberty Victoria is strongly opposed to the Sentencing Amendment (Coward's Punch Manslaughter and Other Matters) Bill 2014. The Bill seeks to enact mandatory sentencing (a 10 year mandatory minimum non-parole period for manslaughter in circumstances of a "coward’s punch/ strike" and/or in circumstances of "gross violence").
Populist law and order agenda sees courts lose power as mandatory sentencing is expanded.
“The public may not be aware of the speed with which the Napthine government is removing sentencing discretion from the courts”, said Liberty president Jane Dixon QC.
Liberty Victoria has serious concerns about the Sentencing Amendment (Emergency Workers) Bill 2014, which is presently before the Legislative Council.
