Edition 143 • October 2018 No Images? Click here ![]() ![]() HUMAN RIGHTS ACT / A step forwards for human rights in Queensland In a massive step forwards for human rights, this week the Queensland Government introduced legislation to create a Human Rights Act which will better protect fundamental rights like education, privacy, and freedom of speech for all Queenslanders. FILM SCREENING / Boy ErasedTogether with our friends at Brave Network Melbourne, and to coincide with the recent report Preventing Harm, Promoting Justice about LBGT conversion therapy, we are delighted to host a screening of the new film Boy Erased, which tackles the subject of gay conversion therapy. LGBT RIGHTS / Leaked Government bill must be amended to remove discrimination in schoolsThe leaked copy of the Morrison Government’s bill to protect students from discrimination has raised concerns and a push for more consultation with the community. PROTECTING STUDENTS / LGBTI groups and parents of trans and gender diverse children call on Government to protect all students Every person should be able to do their job without having to hide who they are. Every school should be inclusive of all types of families. Kids in schools should be focused on classes and their homework, not living in fear of mistreatment because of who they are. TRANS EQUALITY / Trans Victorians finally have marriage equalityTrans and gender diverse people will now be free to live as their true selves, while remaining committed to the person they fell in love with. BIRTH CERTIFICATE LAWS / WA on the verge of reforming outdated birth certificate lawsWestern Australian Government has an historic opportunity to do away with outdated and unnecessary laws that prevent trans and gender diverse people from being recognised as who they are. GAY CONVERSION THERAPY / Report reveals harm caused to LGBT people Telling someone they are broken or sick because of who they are is profoundly psychologically damaging. Thousands of LGBT people have been subjected to religious conversion therapy. These practices don’t work, they need to stop. KIDS OFF NAURU / Enough excuses Scott MorrisonThe Prime Minister Scott Morrison could get kids off Nauru today, but instead he's playing politics with children's lives. We need to keep the pressure building. Together we can bring these cruel policies to an end. DEATH PENALTY / More action needed to address complicity in deathsAustralia doesn't execute people, and we tell other countries to do the same, but we are still a link in the causal chain in executions around the world. SEPARATED FAMILIES / Families ripped apart by offshore detention take their case to the United Nations These families have been needlessly ripped apart by the Australian Government’s offshore detention regime for years. Now, they're taking their case for family reunion to the UN Human Rights Committee. SAFE ACCESS ZONES / Laws challenged in the High CourtFree speech is not a licence to harm others with impunity. Victoria's laws play a critical role in ensuring women can see their doctor without suffering harassment and abuse. ABORIGINAL RIGHTS / Government needs to fix discriminatory work programThe CDP already subjects remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to the indignity of having to work more for less. It needs to be fixed, not made worse. OPINION / Offshore detention: Horrors being deliberately hidden from usFor five long years, the Government has wanted to score political points by being cruel to a group of innocent human beings while hiding the ugly consequences of their actions. Our Daniel Webb and and Natasha Blucher from the Asylum seeker Resource Centre write about the tipping point for getting children off Nauru. HANDS OFF OUR CHARITIES / Charity advocacy laws still need improvingWhen you sideline charities from public discussion, you silence the voices of marginalised people, and undermine our democracy. While the Government is taking steps in the right direction, there's still room for improvement. JOIN THE CALL / An Australian Charter of Human RightsWe need to ensure everyone’s human rights are properly protected and people have the power to hold government to account. Sign the petition now. WORK WITH US / Join the Human Rights Law Centre teamThe Human Rights Law Centre believes in a future where human rights are universally understood, upheld and protected. We secure law and policy change that eliminates inequality, abuse and injustice and builds a society grounded in decency, compassion and respect. We are currently recruiting for a Director of Legal Advocacy in Sydney. ![]() EVENT / Beyond Marriage EqualityHow can we improve health care for queer Australians? What can we do for adolescent, and ageing, LGBTQ+ communities and those in rural and remote areas? Join us for a lively discussion on Thursda15 November. ![]() EVENT / 70 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights70 years after the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we'll look back on this revolutionary moment and reflect on the status and progress of human rights today. Monday 26 November. AUSTRALIAN CASE SUMMARIESHigh Court rules that laws attempting to stop parole for people who murder police are not effectiveMinogue v Victoria [2018] HCA 27
Human Rights Charter demands access to Koori Court, Victorian Supreme Court holdsCemino v Cannan and Ors [2018] VSC 535 The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission were directly involved in this case. Victorian Supreme Court finds owners corporations must modify apartments for owners with a disabilityOwners Corporation v Black [2018] VSC 337 INTERNATIONAL CASE SUMMARIESEuropean Court of Human Rights finds Russia breached human rights of Pussy Riot membersCase of Mariya Alekhina and Others v Russia (ECHR, Third Section, Application no. 38004/12, 17 July 2018)
NOTICE BOARDJOB / Senior Youth Lawyer - Alice Springs at North Australia Aboriginal Justice AgencyNAAJA is committed to providing quality representation for clients and bringing about long term change. They are seeking a Senior Youth Lawyer to join their Alice Springs Criminal Law team. Deadline: 11 November JOB / Human Resources Coordinator at Save The ChildrenFull-time permanent role, perfect for an up-and-comer wanting to take the next step in their HR career, while contributing to a fantastic cause. Deadline: 9 November JOB / Research Officer at Rape & Domestic Violence Services AustraliaThe Research Officer will provide high level research support and assistance to the organisation's prevention education programs. Deadline: 7 November JOB / Community Development Team Leader at CORE Community ServicesResponsible for providing leadership and management support to the team by ensuring outcomes are delivered in line with the funding bodies guidelines. Deadline: 7 November JOB / Executive Assistant with Grata FundGrata Fund is seeking a part-time Executive Assistant to help hold governments and corporate leaders accountable when they are unwilling or unable to act to preserve and promote human rights and democracy. Deadline: 12 November MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS Separated refugee families launch legal action against Australian government at UNDaniel Webb spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald. Offshore detention case to be brought to UN against Australian Government as families hope for reunionDaniel Webb spoke to ABC about the case. 'Historic': Queensland reacts to abortion decisionAdrianne Walters spoke to SBS about the historic moment for Queensland.Landmark study reveals extent of gay conversion therapy in Australia, calls for sweeping reformAnna Brown spoke to the Age about the conversion practices. ANZ failed to meet human rights standards: government reportKeren Adams spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald. Gay conversion therapy is happening in secret in Australia, report findsABC talks about the Human Rights Law Centre's report.Abortion clinic 'safe access zones' subject of High Court challengeAdrianne Walters spoke to Sky News regarding safe access zones. School-based policing faces fierce opposition as NT Government prepares to revive programShahleena Musk spoke with ABC. This edition of Rights Agenda is sponsored by ![]() |