A decision handed down this week by the United Nations Human Rights Committee has significant implications for how complaints against police are dealt with in Victoria. This decision comes at a time when both major political parties are signalling intention to review the powers and role of the Victorian Independent Broad-based Anti –Corruption Commission (IBAC ).
Youthlaw has advocated for the interests of young people in relation to proposed cyber-bullying laws and policies in the Department of Communications’ Discussion Paper “Enhancing Online Safety for Children”.
We support the establishment of a Children’s e-Safety Commissioner, development of an effective complaints system to remove harmful material from social media sites quickly and securing these protections with federal legislation.
There has been public outcry in relation to the proposed laws removing rights to engage in public assembly and political demonstration. See concerns outlined in recent submissions to Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee.
Apart from those engaged in political demonstration, the proposed amendments will have a disproportionate impact on marginalised young people, people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues who occupy public spaces.
Last Friday the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria made a landmark decision to grant a protective cost order to our client Nassir Bare. Without this order he would have had to discontinue his appeal. The appeal will now proceed.
