NSW Council for Civil Liberties welcomes the introduction today of the #CleanUpPoliticsAct
NSW Council for Civil Liberties welcomes the introduction today of the Clean Up Politics Act to improve the transparency and honesty in dealings between lobbyists and Government representatives.
The Clean Up Politics Act has been driven by the hard work and determination of Independent Member for Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan. The Council thanks and acknowledges Dr Ryan’s consistent advocacy in this space.
Read moreSubmission to the NSW Ombudsman about the Mandatory Disease Testing Act 2021
The NSW Council for Civil Liberties has lodged a submission to the NSW Ombudsman with respect to the review of the Mandatory Disease testing Act 2021.
The Mandatory Disease Testing Act came into force in July 2022 and provides for mandatory testing of a person whose bodily fluid comes into contact with a health, emergency or public sector worker.
The making of a “mandatory order” compels a person to provide a blood sample, under the threat of prosecution for a failure to comply. If convicted, it carries a maximum penalty of twelve months imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $10, 000.
Read moreJoint Statement: Australian Civil Society Statement in Solidarity with Gaza
Australian civil society statement in solidarity with Gaza
We, the undersigned, express our alarm about the unfolding crisis in Gaza.
Australia, and the whole international community, must immediately call for a ceasefire and for an end to the targeting of civilians in Gaza.
We express our concern about all violations of international law. We mourn the killing of civilians, Palestinian and Israeli.
Under international humanitarian law (the laws of war) parties to a conflict have a clear obligation to protect the lives of civilians. Israel’s attacks on Gaza as well as their complete blockade of Gaza are clearly in breach of international law.
Read moreMedia Release: High Court rules that 36D of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 is invalid
Today, the High Court of Australia (“HCA”) has ruled that the Government cannot strip Australians who have been convicted of terrorism offences of their citizenship pursuant to section 36D of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
The HCA decision is in response to an appeal that was lodged by convicted terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika, who was incarcerated in 2005.
The New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties has long argued that section 36D of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 was invalid and that it did not empower Ministers to strip a person’s citizenship.
We have long held the position that depriving someone of their citizenship should not be a legislative response to any criminal offence – even the most shocking and inhumane offences such as terrorism as it is fundamentally undemocratic.
Read moreMedia Release: Urgent Review on the risks that artificial intelligence pose to our civil liberties & human rights
Today marks the first day of the Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit.
We have signed an open letter that will be delivered at the Summit on the urgent need for the risks that AI poses to our civil liberties and human rights to be considered when developing policies and regulations on the use and proliferation of AI.
You can view the open letter here.
Read moreMedia Release: NSW must not be a refuge for modern day slavery
The New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties (“CCL”) gave evidence today at NSW Parliament before the Modern Slavery Committee regarding its review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (“the NSW Modern Slavery Act”).
The review is concerned with whether the policy objectives of the NSW Modern Slavery Act remain valid.
The CCL strongly supports the policy objectives of the NSW Modern Slavery Act.
Read morePolicy: The Right to Protest
2023 NSWCCL AGM
Item 7.1 The Right to Protest
Under Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the right to peaceful assembly shall be recognised. No restrictions may be imposed unless the protest is an imposition to national security, public safety, public order, the protection of public health, morals or the rights and freedoms of others. Australia has ratified this international agreement and therefore laws should not be passed that are inconsistent with this right.
Read morePolicy: Drug Reform
2023 NSWCCL AGM
Item 7.2 Drug Reform Policy
NSWCCL welcomes the NSW government proposal for a pre-court diversion scheme affecting people caught in possession of small amounts of illicit substances. Under the changes, NSW Police will be given the ability to issue up to two on the spot Criminal Infringement Notices, which are $400 fines, to adults for personal drug use and small quantity drug possession offences. This is an encouraging first step towards broader drug reform however NSW Police will still retain their discretion in all cases to charge a person and proceed to court. It is still an offence to possess and use illicit drugs. Entry of a conviction or even a bond without conviction goes on a police record with possible drastic long lasting consequences for future employment and visas to enter other countries.
Read moreNIT: Coalition of experts call on NSW government to raise age of criminal responsibility
A coalition of legal, First Nations and Human Rights organisations have come together to call on the NSW government to raise the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14.
The group, which includes the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) NSW/ACT, AbSec, Amnesty International Australia, ANTAR, Australian Services Union NSW & ACT Services Branch, Community Legal Centres NSW, Just Reinvest NSW, Justice Reform Initiative, New South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS), NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL), NSW Teachers Federation, Public Interest Advocacy Centre and Youth Action, brings a deep understanding of the negative impacts criminalising children has as well as knowledge and expertise on how to do better as a community.
In a statement, the group said better outcomes and a safer community wouldn't be achieved by doing things that don't work.
Read moreMedia release: Waverley Councillors risk demotion by speaking out about humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
The NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) is aware of an extraordinary general meeting occurring tonight, where members of both the Labor and Liberal party will put forward a motion to remove the Greens Waverley Deputy Mayor Ludovico Fabiano and Greens Councillor, Dominic Wy Kanak from various committees as a result of their public positions on what is occurring in Israel and Palestine.
These positions include the acknowledgement that there is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Palestine (and in particular Gaza) and that States must comply with their obligations pursuant to International Law.
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