Civil rights
Media and commentary related to our work protecting and advancing civil rights. This includes police accountability, justice in youth detention, asylum seeker rights, discrimination, access to justice and Raise the Age.
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Minns warned against ‘political stunt’ to fix regional youth crime
Premier Chris Minns made a last-minute trip to Moree last month amid concerns about serious property crime being committed predominantly by young people. Minns has committed to a regional crime package and the Police Minister Yasmin Catley has also acknowledged a worsening problem in regional NSW. A range of groups – which include the Aboriginal…
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Aboriginal and legal groups horrified at secret plan to throw more children in jail
A coalition of Aboriginal and legal organisations says a secret proposal to tighten NSW bail laws for children would make NSW regional communities more dangerous. Multiple government sources have indicated off the record that a proposal to introduce punitive law and order measures – including changes to bail laws that will result in more children…
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2SER: Improving the future of flying for people with disability
The Australian Government has a once in a generation chance to shape the future of flying for the better through its Aviation White Paper. The White Paper, due to be released later this year, will set long-term policies for air travel in Australia, covering safety, sustainability and competition. But social justice advocates say the Government needs to…
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The Guardian: NSW government launches review after court hears Aboriginal baby’s aunt refused as carer due to same-sex relationship
The New South Wales government says it will review a case, the subject of ongoing court proceedings, in which Anglicare Sydney refused to assess the Aboriginal aunt of an Aboriginal baby as a long-term carer because she was in a same-sex relationship. … The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) described the case as a ‘shocking example of…
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‘Shocking example of legalised homophobia’ confirms need for new NSW Anti-Discrimination Act
Comments attributable to PIAC Director of Policy and Advocacy Alastair Lawrie: ‘That a government-funded social service provider like Anglicare can refuse to even assess an Aboriginal aunt of an Aboriginal baby as a long-term carer because she was in a same-sex relationship is a shocking example of legalised homophobia. It highlights just how out-dated our…
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NIT: Aboriginal baby’s gay aunt refused as carer, sparking call for law change
Advocacy groups want legal changes after an adoption agency refused to consider an Aboriginal baby’s aunt as a carer because she was in same-sex relationship. A refusal to consider placing an Aboriginal baby in the care of an aunt because she was in a same-sex relationship has prompted calls for legal reform. Adoption agency Anglicare…
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2SER: Return to school, return to LGBTQ discrimination
Thursday 1 February is back to school day for students in NSW. For most students, it is a time of nervous excitement. But anti-discrimination advocates say it will be a time of fear for LGBTQ children and teachers in religious schools. Alastair Lawrie, PIAC’s Director of Policy and Advocacy joined 2SER Breakfast to explain why,…
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Adelaide Airport settles dispute with former disability discrimination commissioner over ‘upsetting’ security incident
Former disability discrimination commissioner Graeme Innes settled a dispute over a ‘humiliating and distressing’ experience.
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Joint statement from Graeme Innes and Adelaide Airport
Former Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes has reached a settlement with Adelaide Airport following a disability discrimination complaint.
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NSW Police fall short in response to consorting laws criticisms
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has published NSW Police Force responses to recommendations made in the LECC’s review of consorting laws. The LECC review showed the laws are largely not being used to disrupt the serious, organised crime for which they were intended but are being misused, including against people under the age of…