SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY / High Court hears landmark case on Tasmania’s anti-protest laws that unreasonably restrict free speech and protest

It is absolutely critical to our democracy that we can freely share ideas on political issues. That's why we intervened in support of former Senator Bob Brown's High Court challenge against Tasmania's excessive laws.

MANUS CLOSURE / Government reveals plans to move up to 440 men to East Lorengau Transit Facility 

The Government has known for a long time that its Manus camp’s days are numbered, but it has never had a humane or viable plan for the innocent men trapped inside it. During Budget Estimates it was revealed the Government intends to simply move up to 440 men to a different facility up the road.

OPINION / Treating young offenders harshly serves no purpose

The Supreme Court has ruled, yet again, that it was unlawful for the Victorian Government to lock up children at the state’s most notorious maximum security adult jail. Our Hugh de Kretser writes in the Herald Sun about why inhumane conditions in youth jails are in no one’s interests.

LGBTI RIGHTS / The Queensland Government delivers an apology that rights historical wrongs

We joined with various rights groups including the LGBTI Legal Service and the Queensland AIDS Council in applauding the Queensland Government for its apology to people who were convicted under the State's old and unjust laws against homosexual acts.

OPINION / 'Tough on crime' doesn't work and is destroying Indigenous women and families

Vickie Roach, a former prisoner who contributed to our new report with Change the Record, writes in The Guardian about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s over-imprisonment is profoundly affecting women, children and ultimately entire communities.

MODERN SLAVERY / Australia must legislate to prevent modern slavery in corporate supply chains

With some of Australia’s biggest brands like Rip Curl, Quicksilver, Woolworths and Coles recently caught up in forced labour scandals, it is clear the Australian Government needs a better system to compel businesses to lift their game.

WORK WITH HRLC / We're currently seeking a Lawyer to work in our Asylum Seeker and Refugee Rights Unit

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a lawyer to work at the HRLC. This position will work alongside the Unit’s Director and existing Lawyer and will play a vital role in supporting the ongoing and important work of the unit.

OFFSHORE DETENTION / Further tragedy inevitable unless Australia acts responsibly

Accountability and an immediate plan to guarantee the safety of refugees trapped on Nauru and Manus Island are needed urgently as the evidence stacks up on the danger, deliberate abuse and suffering the Australian Government’s offshore detention regime is causing.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS / Experts and community groups urge Queensland Attorney-General to act on abortion law reform

The Queensland Government should demonstrate a commitment to women’s health and refer abortion to the state’s Law Reform Commission, which would be a step towards fully decriminalising abortion in Queensland.

YOUTH JUSTICE / Queensland review confirms that youth justice system is failing children

Over 80 recommendations have been made to bring the Queensland youth justice system in line with international law and to respond to the individual developmental needs of each child. The review reminds us that just because a child is incarcerated, their human rights and entitlements must not be ignored.

MANUS ISLAND / Year long campaign to make conditions at the Australian Government's refugee camp even worse

Leaked reports have revealed that camp managers and security staff contracted by the Australian Government intentionally tried to make conditions in Australia’s detention centre on Manus Island even worse, putting the men who have been held in limbo for almost four years at greater risk of serious harm.

UNITED NATIONS / Companies complicit in Australia’s detention regime under spotlight at UN

G4S Australia, Ferrovial and other companies involved in Australia’s  regime of off-shore detention of people seeking asylum are now facing the music for their complicity in a litany of abuses.

Queensland Family Court approves sterilising on 5 year old intersex child

Re: Carla (Medical Procedure) [2016] FamCA 7

UK Supreme Court finds that the “Crown act of state” doctrine bars certain international claims

Rahmatullah (No 2) v Ministry of Defence [2017] UKSC 1 (17 January 2017)

European Court of Justice clarifies scope of workplace bans on religious headscarves

Achbita v G4S Secure Solutions NV (European Court of Justice, C-157/15, 14 March 2017) and Bougnaoui v Micropole SA (European Court of Justice, C-188/15, 14 March 2017)

AUCTION / Environment Defenders Office NT - Art Auction

The Environmental Defenders Office in the Northern Territory is holding a fundraising auction with stunning Indigenous art.

JOB / Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service - Legal Practice Manager

Balit Ngulu is seeking a Legal Practice manager to coordinate, supervise and provide legal services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Victoria.

JOB / The Open Society Justice Initiative - Freedom of Assembly and Association Legal Officer

The Justice Initiative, an operational program of Open Society, uses litigation and other forms of legal advocacy to empower people, defend the rule of law, and advance human rights

EVENT / Progress 2017

Progress 2017 brings together 1,500 of Australia’s thought leaders, policy advocates and change-makers. Every sector – from aid to the environment, social welfare to human rights, socially-minded business to trade union movements are represented. 

Juvenile inmates must be moved out of Barwon

On the day the Supreme Court ruled that the Victorian Government must remove children from Barwon, Alina Leikin spoke with 9 News.

Aboriginal women prisoners' soaring rates: a 'national crisis'

Adrianne Walters, Vickie Roach and Antionette Braybrook appeared on NITV News to talk about our new report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's over-imprisonment.

AFP helps death penalty nations as Australia campaigns for end to death penalty as part of UN bid

Emily Howie tells the Sydney Morning Herald that Australia is sending mixed messages when it comes to the abolition of the death penalty.

Detainees warn of violence if forced to leave Manus Island detention centre

Daniel Webb speaks with SBS News about conditions at the Manus Island detention centre.

Bob Brown challenges Tas protest laws

On the day of the High Court challenge to Tasmania's anti- protest laws Emily Howie spoke with Sky News.

Queensland Premier says sorry to people punished under historical gay sex laws

The Brisbane Times spoke to Anna Brown about Queensland's historical apology to people charged under historic gay sex offences.