As states and territories plump more and more for harsh new ‘law and order’ legislation, and curtail bail options, the number of prison places needed through the nation is likely to surge dramatically. Private prison operators have sometimes been seen as a solution to curbing jail running costs…but are such companies as efficient and effective and humane as claimed? Rick Sarre takes a look.
Paul Gregoire explains how the NSW Greens are highlighting the protection for tenants provided in the ACT Human Rights Act (HRA) since September 2025. The Greens want similar protection in a new NSW HRA.
Analysing what the real threat of ’terrorism’ is now in Australia, rising 25 years from the aircraft attacks on New York, may be fundamental to knowing whether many far-reaching laws are still appropriate, according to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, Jake Blight. CLA’s contribution, by Dr Tony Murney, to Blight’s inquiry gives the lie to the scare-mongerers and security screamers, and points out the danger of being fearful of the wrong threats, now and into the future.
Long term barrister and passionate justice advocate John Lawrence has written about the ‘collapsing’ NT legal system as a new government tries to legislate to prevent crime. That hasn’t worked anywhere, and is unlikely to fare any better in the NT, which faces unique challenges.
To celebrate International Human Rights Day 2024, Tasmanian MLC Meg Webb writes about the need everywhere, and particularly in her own state, for proper actions to protect and enhance human rights.Two Quadrant authors are alarmist in claiming that a national human rights Act would ‘entrench racism’ in Australia, leading civil liberties campaigner Dr Kristine Klugman says. It may be threat to the unwarranted privileges of the rich and ‘old white men’, but such an Act would provide a much fairer society with a ‘fair go’ for all, equally.
