Category Archives: Updates

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.

A review of the evidence shows that prison is costly, has negligible or negative effects on re-offending and, in the case of young people, may inflict long-term damage, thereby squandering the opportunity for rehabilitation and diversion that is presented with young people.[1]