Justice for everyone

Founded in 1963, the NSW Council for Civil Liberties is one of Australia's leading human rights and civil liberties organisations.

We monitor and fight against infringement of our rights and liberties and the abuse of power by government, its agencies and others. We also work to influence public debate and secure amendments to laws or changes in policy to strengthen our democratic rights and liberties.

We prepare submissions to government, engage regularly in public debates, produce content, hold events and conduct many other activities.

NSWCCL is non-sectarian and non-party political. 

We are a Non-Government Organisation in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, by resolution 2006/221 (21 July 2006).

For individual help, see your personal civil liberties and our COVID resources page.

Latest news

Submission: Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 [Provisions]

In our submission NSWCCL raised concerns that criminal offences should remain a last resort given their impact on freedom of expression and the risk that police will use them to...

MEDIA RELEASE: New Laws are Another Slap in the Face For the Right to Protest

The NSW Minns Government has released a media statement  today indicating that they wish to amend section 213 of the Crimes Act to insert a 200-penalty unit offence that will...

Submission: Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system

In our submission NSWCCL calls for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14 years old. This is essential in creating a fairer youth justice system. The incarceration...

Submission: Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024

We strongly assert that the decision to allow only seven working days for public submissions on such a critical and complex piece of legislation is incompatible with the principles of...

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