We argued the Commonwealth Parliament should raise the age of criminal responsibility and use the external affairs power to protect children from harm by state and territory criminal legal systems.

We expressed a range of concerns about the Commonwealth Government’s Exposure Draft Bill, including calling for more groups to be protected against serious vilification and the removal of the religious texts defence to this proposed offence. The Government’s Exposure Draft Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 proposed a range of different responses to the incitement of hatred, including the…

We argue that existing criminal offences already cover public slogans that incite hatred, and that a cautious approach is warranted given the meaning of slogans can be deeply contested. In response to a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into legal options to address slogans that incite hatred, we highlighted the 2025 introduction of s93ZAA of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which prohibits…

We helped secure a win making gas network costs fairer, with new connections now charged to the consumers requesting them.

As more households disconnect from the gas network, we’re advocating to ensure the costs that come with the shift are recovered in a more equitable way.

We need changes to energy retail guidelines that support Australian households, so we’re advocating for more a stronger focus on outcomes and more consultation with a broader range of energy users.

Consumers should not be paying more than necessary for the energy they need, especially in the face of rising cost of living pressures. Setting a fair Rate of Return Instrument (RORI) is critically important for protecting energy users’ interests, with the potential to reduce energy costs.

We need energy payment assistance programs that improve outcomes for households; by making it easier for them to get the help they need.

Our case in the NSW Supreme Court is challenging the use of solitary on young people, as solicitor Petra Franks explained.

Since 2004, HPLS has helped people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with practical legal help.