Human Rights

Vulturous ATO preys on the grave

Civil Liberties Australia — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:16:16 +0000

As the Actor represents Everyman, so Paul Hogan represents us all over the bureaucratic inequities of oppressive legality and secrecy laws in Australia. He is now locked in the debtor's prison the nation is becoming, reverting to its penal role two centuries ago.

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.

Students help frame debates

Civil Liberties Australia — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:53:53 +0000

CLA works with advanced and honours students on topics of mutual interest, where the student gains credits for 'internship' programs or honours studies, and CLA benefits from excellent research papers which help to shape a current or future dilemma. See if one of these research ideas interests you.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Time to finalise matter of Mr Ward's avoidable death

Civil Liberties Australia — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:14:35 +0000

Editor, West Australian: I respond to your report 'Frustrated DPP sees flaws in quality of police probe' 29 June 2010, p7.

I have read Coroner Alastair Hope's report on Aborigine elder Mr Ward's death in custody, in the back of a prison transfer van, which includes his recommendations. In the report the coroner found that every level of authority from the Minister for Corrective Services Margaret Quirk, right down to the two drivers, in the coroner's words "failed in their duty of care".

It's important for the public to appreciate that, unfortunately, the police investigation of the matter did upset the coroner: that is, the two drivers were not kept separate before being interviewed...but that's only one of a number of aspects the coroner was concerned about.

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.

No proof roadside drug testingdrivers benefits the community

Civil Liberties Australia — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:56:43 +0000

Around Australia, drug testing of drivers takes places with no proven benefit to society and great penalty to people's civil liberties. In WA, the accuracy of the tests is declining, research in SA shows (see CLArion newsletter July 2010). Here, Bill Bush outlines why the ACT should not introduce such an uncertain, inequitable form of driver testing.
Read article»...

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.

'Rights stuff' airs at first forum

Civil Liberties Australia — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:52:58 +0000

The first Australian Government and Non-Government Organisations Forum on Human Rights in late June 2010 produced mixed results, according to CLA President, Dr Kristine Klugman. She raised questions about making all Australian laws compatible with human rights, and the UN demand, under the ICCPR, that Australia trains its public officials, police and others in human rights.

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.

Govt may spy on your browsing

Civil Liberties Australia — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:42:02 +0000

Internet Service Providers may soon have to retain subscriber's private web browsing history for the government to secretly examine, according to news reports. Industry insiders and bloggers are up in arms. Read Article »...

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.

Do the 'bikie laws' breach rights?

Civil Liberties Australia — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:39:42 +0000

Do the 'bikie laws' breach rights?

What does CLA think of the SA legislation - the 'bikie laws' - now being considered, on appeal, by the High Court. Does the Act breach an individual's human rights, we were asked by a student?

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.

Investigate independently

Civil Liberties Australia — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:22:24 +0000

Police should not investigate police deaths in custody, CLA's Keith McEwan says. There needs to be an independent body set up for such cases - justice demands no less, he says.

This article was posted on the Civil Liberties Australia website.