Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Wed, 22/02/2023 - 15:25
The Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2023 (Vic) (the Bill) should not be enacted in its current form.
The Bill, which would create a centralised database for the medical records of every patient in the public health system, does not sufficiently protect Victorians’ right to privacy. Vitally, Victorians will not have the ability to ‘opt out’ of the scheme.
This means that sensitive personal health information will be warehoused without patient consent.
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Mon, 30/01/2023 - 16:25
In light of the damning findings of the Coroner in relation to the tragic death of Ms Veronica Nelson, now is the time to fix Victoria’s broken bail laws. The Coroner has found, in the clearest terms, that Victoria’s harsh bail laws breach the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
We are a coalition of lawyers, trade unionists, service providers and advocacy groups with a shared commitment to addressing the effects of precarious and ‘permanently temporary’ visa status. We welcome this opportunity to contribute to the comprehensive review of Australia’s migration system.
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.
