ALHR – Australian Lawyers For Human Rights

Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 (Cth) (the Bill)

posted on August 9, 2017

ALHR has written to members of the Senate cross bench urging them to consider voting outright against the passage of the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 (Cth) (the Bill). The Australian Government is seeking to make substantial changes to the requirements for the acquisition of … Read More >>

Human Rights Lawyers applaud UN ruling on Australia’s same-sex divorce laws

posted on August 6, 2017

In a further blow to the Turnbull Government’s position against a free vote on marriage equality, a damning decision of the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) highlights further injustices caused by Australia’s policy on marriage between same-sex attracted people. The decision found in favour of an Australian woman, Dr Fiona Kumari Campell, who was married … Read More >>

Australia should heed UK Supreme Court decision on access to justice

posted on August 1, 2017

Leading Australian human rights lawyers have welcomed a landmark UK Supreme Court judgement handed down last Wednesday, arguing the decision sets an important precedent for Australian courts in relation to the need to ensure access to justice and equality before the law. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Women and Girls’ Rights Subcommittee Co-Chair Anna Kerr … Read More >>

Expressions of interest: Co-Chair ALHR National Disability Rights Subcommittee

posted on July 31, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is seeking expressions of interest from experienced lawyers to Co-Chair our National Disability Rights Subcommittee The successful applicant for the role will be a lawyer or legal academic with expert knowledge of and passion for disability rights law. Applicants with a lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to … Read More >>

RESPONSE TO KEY FINDINGS DISCUSSION PAPER FOR THE NEW SA MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN

posted on July 21, 2017

ALHR commends the SA Mental Health Commission for undertaking this review and for recognising a number of key themes related to the mental well-being of individuals with mental illness, including reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and promoting tailored responses for those experiencing mental illness. However, it is the view of the ALHR that … Read More >>

Submission in relation to the development of a new SA Mental Health Strategic Plan.

posted on July 21, 2017

In May ALHR welcomed the opportunity to make a submission in relation to the development of a new SA Mental Health Strategic Plan. ALHR has called for the SA Mental Health Strategic Plan to be consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), by reviewing the Mental Health Act 2009 … Read More >>

NSW victims of crime compensation inadequate: domestic violence and sexual assault victims hardest hit.

posted on July 17, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has added its voice to calls for the New South Wales Government to increase victims of crime compensation, describing current levels of compensation as “completely inadequate” following significant cuts to the scheme made in 2013. ALHR says victims of gendered crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault and domestic … Read More >>

Human Rights Lawyers welcome Aboriginal Justice Agreement for the Northern Territory

posted on July 10, 2017

A leading national human rights organisation has welcomed a new Aboriginal Justice Agreement for the Northern Territory. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) Vice President Kerry Weste said, “The NT’s Aboriginal incarceration rate is a crisis of devastating proportions. Around 90 per cent of the Territory’s prisoner population are Indigenous and the human rights impacts … Read More >>

ALHR is Recruiting: Co-Convenors NSW, Vic & SA

posted on July 9, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is seeking expressions of interest from lawyers to take up roles as Co-Convenors in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. There are three volunteer positions available and the successful applicants will join the existing experienced lawyers currently in post as Convenors. ALHR State/ Territory Convenors are responsible for … Read More >>

Human Rights Lawyers alarmed by allegations of inappropriate conduct at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre

posted on July 6, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has expressed alarm over concerning allegations of human rights abuses at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre in Canberra. A series of articles published by Fairfax Media, has alleged detainees have been subjected to acts of violence, including guards encouraging children to settle disputes by way of violence, drug overdoses and … Read More >>

Shocked Lawyers say Unredacted Youth Justice Report Proves Urgent Need for Queensland Human Rights Act

posted on June 29, 2017

Media release For release on Thursday 29 June 2017 Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the Attorney-General’s re-release of the unredacted final Report of the Queensland Youth Justice Review. ALHR says the report clearly reinforces the urgent need for the Palaszczuk government to stay good on its promise to pass a Queensland Human Rights … Read More >>

Homosexual vilification in the age of new media: Lawyers are keen to resolve federal issues of homosexual hate speech.

posted on June 24, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the High Court of Australia’s decision to grant special leave to Garry Burns to appeal a NSW Court of Appeal decision that the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) has no power to determine anti-discrimination matters between residents of different States. The Court of Appeal was asked whether … Read More >>