CLA’s policy on criminal justice
All Australians are entitled to protection from arbitrary arrest and unnecessary detention; to a fair, speedy and public trial; to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and to legal advice and representation.

Sentencing should be based on the principle of rehabilitation wherever possible.

Porter can lift us out of these ‘sad times’

The secret trials and sentencing currently running in the Witness K and Bernard Collaery matter could – and should – be stopped instantly by the Attorney-General withdrawing his permission to prosecute. If he doesn’t the injustice of it all will forever be on his head. He has the perfect excuse: he’s too busy crafting a national integrity commission, and also getting the nation back on its commercial feet after Covid-19.

City council on horns of smoking dilemma

Melbourne City Council is facing a conundrum: should people be allowed to vape in the open air? In the current State of Restrictions,Victoria, how far can you go in banning what health authorities say is a better option than people smoking? CLA’s submission will be considered at the Submissions Committee meeting on Thursday 2 July 2020 at 3pm. 

Canada illustrates the danger of ‘emergency’ laws

Fifty years after Canada’s most recent police state imposition, two academics warn about the repressive history of laws brought in to cope with ‘emergencies’. Citizens must not give governments powers that are certain to be abused by later suspension of civil liberties, police crackdowns and, with today’s and tomorrow’s technology, electronic Big Brother surveillance.

Former spook insider Wilkie tells PM ’No’ to app download

Probably the most knowledgeable federal parliamentarian on security issues, Andrew Wilkie, has made it crystal clear why he won’t be rushing to download the Corvid-19 app. Basically, he doesn’t trust the government or its cyber spooks. The former Army officer resigned as an intelligent analyst from Australia’s Office of National Assessments over misinformation given out by then-PM John Howard on Iraq’s supposed weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Asylum seekers, refugees and Covid-19: most vulnerable, most exposed?

Vulnerable refugee claimants are at greater risk of catching Covid-19 illness because of where they are housed, and general poor nutrition and ill-health because of their poverty. Without incomes as the economy grinds to a halt, their plight is worsening. Meanwhile the Australian government appears to have a policy of deliberating slowing down their ‘day in court’ by appointing the wrong people to the main tribunal that hears refugee claims. CLA Director Jennifer Ashton tells the story.