This submission responds to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Issues Paper 1: Systemic Injustice in the Criminal Justice System.
The following submission focusses on:
(a) The need to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility;
(b) Victoria’s harsh bail laws;
(c) The pitfalls of presumptive and mandatory sentencing; and
(d) The operation and effect of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).
As part of a society which values and promotes human dignity, equality and freedom, a properly functioning social security system — that is, a system which is available, adequate and accessible to all without discrimination— is essential to ensure that all Australians have access to the basic necessities of life.
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Tue, 15/11/2022 - 09:27
As part of a society which values and promotes human dignity, equality and freedom, a properly functioning social security system — that is, a system which is available, adequate and accessible to all without discrimination— is essential to ensure that all Australians have access to the basic necessities of life.
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Tue, 25/10/2022 - 09:18
Liberty Victoria is dismayed to learn that government obstruction has led the United Nations’ torture prevention body to suspend its visit to Australia.
The risk to the human rights of people held in places of detention is significant, and it is fundamentally important that those rights are protected. Such places go beyond prisons or police cells. They include youth justice centres, immigration detention centres, and locked aged care facilities, secure disability homes and hospital wards. Liberty Victoria considers it essential that light is shone in such places.
Liberty Victoria are seeking volunteers to assist in running the annual Voltaire Human Rights Awards at the Sofitel Hotel Melbourne, on Friday 18 November which celebrate individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to free speech and advocating for human rights, free speech and/or civil liberties.
We would love to have your support at this event. You can download position descriptions for the volunteer roles that include more information by clicking on the links below.
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Wed, 05/10/2022 - 09:47
The Optus data breach demonstrates that our private data has not received the practical or legal protections that are required in our interconnected society. This particular episode is, however, only the tip of the iceberg.
The three key categories of personal information that were contained in the Optus data breach – drivers license number, Medicare number and passport code – provide keys to identity theft, fraud, blackmail and even potential danger for those in abusive relationships.
Comment on the Major Crime and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
1. If enacted the Major Crime and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Vic) (the Bill) would result in a dangerous expansion of police investigative powers, including the power to compel people to provide access to personal devices.
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Fri, 16/09/2022 - 09:20
Liberty Victoria is pleased to announce that the 2022 Voltaire Human Rights Award winner is Brenda Appleton OAM.
The Voltaire Human Rights Award honours a person or group of people who have made an outstanding contribution to free speech, human rights and/or civil liberties, with particular emphasis on progressing freedom, respect, equality, dignity and action.
The Victorian Parliament's Legal and Social Issues Committee has published its report on the Inquiry into Extremism in Victoria. It's available here: https://lnkd.in/gKxym4Ub
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Fri, 02/09/2022 - 08:56
JOINT STATEMENT 1 SEPTEMBER 2022
The New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties, Liberty Victoria, South Australian Council for Civil Liberties strongly condemn the former Prime Minister Morrison's practice of secret ministerial appointments and welcome the seriousness with which Prime Minister Albanese is treating this issue. We join together to call for urgent legislative reform in order to ensure that such a practice never occurs again.
