JOIN THE CAMPAIGN / Our exciting plan for a better and fairer Australia

Our lives are better when we treat each other with respect and compassion. That’s why we want your help to properly protect the values everyone holds dear, like fairness and equality. Please join us in calling for an Australian Charter of Human Rights. Sign the petition today

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DEATHS IN CUSTODY / A national shame set to worsen

We know that the lives and safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be placed at risk in police custody. One call to an Aboriginal-led service could change that.

ANTI-ASSOCIATION LAWS / Pass lower house

Every single Victorian should be worried about these laws because they're excessive and ripe for abuse. These laws belong in a police state, not the connected, harmonious community that we all want Victoria to be.

END THE HATE / Hate Crimes Act needed to protect LGBTI people from prejudice

When people incite hatred and violence against an LGBTI person because of who they are, it diminishes our entire community.This is why we're calling for a Hate Crimes Act.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION / Religious family violence services pledge not to discriminate

This is a pivotal step forward for LGBTI people to feel confident that they can seek support when they most need it. The Government needs to finally remove the blanket religious exemptions that harm vulnerable communities.

RIGHTING WRONGS / Western Australia passes historic laws

Western Australia has joined the rest of Australia in recognising that criminalising people for who they love was the real crime. New laws will allow people charged under unjust homosexual laws to have their convictions removed.

KIDS OFF NAURU / After five years of indefinite detention, children on Nauru are now suicidal

As the Government sat on the UN Human Rights Council – professing its commitment to human rights – 102 children remained imprisoned on Nauru. Daniel Webb was in Geneva to sure the UN heard about our Govenment's hypocrisy.

UN / Government urged to act on Myanmar atrocities

The Australian Government must immediately sever its ties with Myanmar’s military and impose targeted sanctions on abusive military generals. Because if genocide is not cause for decisive and principled action, then what on earth is?

MODERN SLAVERY / Bill won't be effective without penalties

A mandatory reporting scheme isn't really mandatory if there are no consequences for companies that fail to comply. Without financial penalties the new laws will lack the necessary teeth to make sure the worst offenders lift their game.

HANDS OFF OUR CHARITIES / Proposed changes to laws on charity advocacy welcomed

The Government's changes to its proposed electoral laws, while not perfect, are a positive step. Now we have a chance to further strengthen this bill that could have severe implications for our democracy.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS / High Court case to defend safe access zone laws

Women should be able to access the reproductive healthcare they need without being harassed and abused. Free speech is not a licence to harm others with impunity.

AUSTRALIAN CASE SUMMARIES

Defamation suit can be brought against Google

Trkulja v Google LLC [2018] HCA 25 (13 June 2018)

Supreme Court of Victoria excludes admissions made by Italian speaker without interpreter present

DPP v Natale (Ruling) [2018] VSC 339 (26 June 2018)

High Court confirms Immigration Assessment Authority powers under 'fast track' review process; broadens legal unreasonableness

Plaintiff M174/2016 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2018] HCA 16

INTERNATIONAL CASE SUMMARIES

Baker's refusal to bake gay wedding cake

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 584 U.S. ___; 138 S. Ct. 1719 (2018)

NOTICE BOARD

JOB / Sustainability and Operations Coordinator, with Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria

This role will be responsible for managing Federation Member related transactional services, the internal operations of the Federation and provide support to the Director of Sustainability. Application deadline: 15 October

JOB / Executive Officer, with Australian Human Rights Commission Sydney

The Executive Officer is responsible for coordinating the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee and the National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF) Secretariats. Application deadline: 11 October

JOB / Solicitors (Refugee and Human Rights Law), with Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre is seeking four solicitors to contribute to the provision of high quality legal services to people seeking asylum. Application deadline: 3 October

EVENT / GUILTY film screening

GUILTY will be screened all around Australia on World Day Against The Death Penalty, 10 October. 10% of all box office revenue to the production will be donated to Reprieve Australia.

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MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Western Australia passes law to allow expungement of historical gay convictions

Anna Brown speaks to Q News on the expungement legislation.

Prison guards 'switched off cameras' moments before alleged assault.

Hugh de Kretser speaks with the The Age about an incident involving children in Barwon adult jail.

Half of Indigenous women who died in custody did not receive appropriate medical care

Ruth speaks to Guardian Australia about the treatment of Indigenous women in detention.

Children in Australia's offshore migrant center are so distraught, some have attempted suicide

Daniel Webb speaks with the Washington Post about children in detention on Nauru.