A leading association of human rights lawyers has expressed concern at the Andrews Government’s recent announcement that it will spend $1.8 billion to expand Victorian prisons. The bulk of the funds will go towards an additional 1650 prison beds, mostly for male prisoners, and 548 beds will be added in the maximum-security prison at Chisholm … Read More >>
Most adult Australians are currently preparing to vote in the Federal Election on 18 May. Although many of us may take this right for granted, there is no doubt that casting a vote and having your say on who governs our country is a fundamental constitutional right, and a hallmark of democracy. What many Australians … Read More >>
Leading human rights lawyers continue to be appalled by use of public interest criteria in the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and Migration Regulations 1994 to stop people with disability from permanently living in Australia. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) says the case of Kinley Wangyel Wangchuk’s family being denied permanent residency in Australia on … Read More >>
Leading human rights lawyers have applauded the impending commencement of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act , noting it provides terminally-ill Victorians who meet the relevant criteria with the autonomy to make informed decisions about their medical treatment and the timing and manner of their death, while also providing appropriate safeguards to protect vulnerable people from … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) applauds the Federal Government’s establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities. “This is a landmark day for Australians with Disability. Justice for those affected will finally be upheld” Kerry Weste, President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights remarked. “The establishment of … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has slammed the 2019 Federal Budget as yet another missed opportunity for Australia to show leadership in the Asia Pacific region in upholding international human rights obligations in relation to people seeking asylum and refugees. ALHR President Kerry Weste said, “At a time when Australia has a seat on … Read More >>
Australia’s leading association of human rights lawyers has expressed extreme disappointment with the Federal Government’s limited commitment to supporting people on low incomes in last night’s Federal Budget. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) says the only positive in the Budget is a one-off payment designed to assist with rising energy costs. However, Charlie Faulder, … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) commends the federal Government’s allocation of $527.9 million over five years for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. ALHR recognises that more than half ($379.1m) will go to the Attorney-General’s Department to not only run the Royal Commission but also to provide … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has welcomed a historic High Court decision handed down last week awarding the Ngaliwurru and Nungali Peoples compensation in the sum of $2.5 million for native title extinguishment. This landmark judgement is the first time the highest court in Australia has decided the approach that should be taken in … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has written to Tasmanian MPs to urge them to vote for amendments to the Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage Amendments) Bill 2018 currently before the Tasmanian Legislative Council. The Bill includes proposed amendments to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1999 which will positively impact transgender, intersex and … Read More >>
Leading human rights lawyers have spoken out in support of students’ right to attend today’s climate change strikes. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights President Kerry Weste said, “Today ALHR stands with children and young people around Australia as they exercise their internationally-recognised human rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of speech and to be heard.” “The … Read More >>
The Morrison Government is facing heavy criticism over Australia’s refusal to sign an International Women’s Day statement at the United Nations, which called for safe access to abortion and improved sexual health education. A total of 57 states signed on to the statement which called for accountability for human rights violations perpetrated against women and … Read More >>
