August 2008 CLArion Newsletter

CLA’s new TV advertisement, as well as a half-hour radio program, are coming closer to fruition, and are likely to be ready for launch this month. As well as these internal ‘production’ issues, CLA is building a cross-party coalition to introduce a private members’ bill in the federal parliament to restore democratic rights to electors in the two Territories, NT and ACT.

We’re asking for three representatives – a former judge, current barrister, and late-course law student – at a September criminal justice forum convened by Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus; anyone who would like to contribute an idea or comment for the forum is welcome to contact the CLA Secretary.

CLA congratulates media spokesperson Dean Prail on achieving his Masters degree, and also Robert French on appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court. There’s a rundown of Australian and international liberties and rights news, plus a listing of key activities undertaken by CLA in July.

Some items featured in this month’s CLArion include:

More dangerous than a pedophile;

Court allows ASIO and A-G to foment fear;

Report recommends new justice for Indigenous people;

Reforming Our Constitution: committee releases report

Privacy law in NSW research released ;

Washington group forms to pursue ‘dark revelations’;

Human rights activitist appointed DPP;

UK women gain new defence if they kill spouse;

Alston blasts USA for violating rule of law;

UK Govt advised not to believe President Bush;

Fiji supremo to bring down new media law; and

Signs of the times: waiving your rights entering the US.

Previous CLArions (pdf files) are also available here.