Our March eBulletin looks at the latest news at RLC and upcoming events in the community.
e-Bulletin | March 2019
The latest news from RLC
Redfern Legal Centre has had an incredibly busy start to the year. This month, we share a brief update on some of the projects that we have been working on, and provide some insight into what's in store over the next few months.
News and events
Sean Stimson wins Human Rights Award
Congratulations to our International Student Solicitor, Sean Stimson, who was honoured with the NSW Human Rights Medal last month, in recognition of his services rendered to the 260,000 international students studying across the state of NSW.
On accepting the award Sean thanked the many volunteers, funders and partners who make the work of the practice possible, including StudyNSW, McCabe Curwood, and City of Sydney, and highlighted the urgent need for additional government funding to assist international students across NSW.
“Through the work I do at Redfern Legal Centre, I see first-hand the multitude of exploitations that international students experience across all areas of life,” Sean Stimson said.
“I applaud the leadership shown by StudyNSW in supporting Redfern Legal Centre’s International Student Service NSW, and call on government to provide increased funding support in this critical area,” he said.
Honouring Margaret Jones
Margaret Jones, one of our longest-serving volunteers, sadly passed away last month at age 91. Born in 1927, Margaret was an uncompromising lesbian feminist trailblazer who led an extraordinary life.
She was dedicated to fighting for women's rights, the union movement and many other social justice causes, including the work of Redfern Legal Centre. Margaret will be deeply missed by all of us.
In 2012, film producers Rose Tracey and Spencer Austad made a documentary highlighting Margaret’s many achievements.
This Wednesday on 13 March at 12.30pm, RLC presents a free screening of 'Seeing Margaret Jones'.
The screening will be held upstairs at Redfern Town Hall. All welcome. For inquires and to RSVP (for catering purposes only), contact finn@rlc.org.au.
A tribute to Margaret Jones appears in the March edition of South Sydney Herald. Read it here.
Working for Change
International Student Legal Advice Session
Redfern Legal Centre is aware that a large number of international students have been affected by accreditation issues with the Australia Institute of Business and Technology.
We are looking at the legal situation and whether or not students may have any compensation claims against the college.
This week, we are holding a free Legal Information Session for international students on 14 March from 6-7pm, to help people understand their rights and legal options.
At this stage, we are unable to book in individual appointments regarding this issue. We will be looking at ways we may be able to advise affected individuals after the Legal Information session.
Head to our website for factsheets, information updates, and to register your interest in attending the Legal Information session.
Financial Abuse Panel sows seeds for change
On 6 March, RLC held a sold-out panel discussion on financial abuse, a fundraiser presented by RLC’s Young Professionals Committee and hosted by King & Wood Mallesons.
Panelists examined both the social and psychological impact financial abuse can have on those who experience it, as well as the legal remedies involved in addressing this abuse.
RLC will be launching a state-wide financial abuse service later this year, in order to assist more people experiencing this widespread but under-reported form of domestic abuse.
An update on RLC's Safe and Sound campaign
Our Safe and Sound campaign to curb unnecessary police strip searches in NSW has been very active over the summer festival season. RLC continues to hear many disturbing accounts of unnecessary police strip search activity.
In February, we convened a round-table to discuss ways in which the legal profession can work together to address the overuse of police strip searches in NSW.
In March, our police powers solicitor Sam Lee delivered a presentation Safe and sound and key issues at a CLC network meeting.
Commissioner of Oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, Patrick Saidi, attended the discussion and echoed many of RLC's core concerns about police strip searches.
The next phase of the Safe and Sound campaign will include the publication of a commissioned a report from academics at UNSW Law, which will examine how laws in NSW compare to other jurisdictions.
For updates, Follow Safe and Sound on Facebook
IN THE MEDIA: Read Sam Lee's opinion piece on police strip searches, published by Sydney Morning Herald.
RLC Submission: Review of the early release of superannuation benefits
Last month, RLC made a submission to the Retirement Income Policy Division focused on the early release of superannuation benefits.
In our submission, we focus on the impact of current evidentiary requirements for the early release of superannuation benefits on victims of family and domestic violence.
Save the dates!
Put these dates in your diary now! Further details coming soon...
5 May: Truth, Justice and the Redfern Way!
RLC's annual comedy fun-raiser is back for another year! The full lineup will be announced soon.
8 April: Community event on Police Strip Searches
A community event discussing police strip searches and the law in NSW.
Looking for the perfect gift?
Show the world you support Truth, Justice and the Redfern Way. Our RLC T-shirts and tea towels make the perfect gift for the social justice lover in your life!
Support our call for safer policing at festivals
Help us stop unnecessary strip-searches in NSW by supporting Safe and Sound.
Grab our uber-cool Safe and Sound tees.
Help RLC achieve lasting change for our community. Donate today.
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73 Pitt Street, Redfern NSW 2016
02 9698 7277 | info@rlc.org.au | www.rlc.org.au