Law Society welcomes restoration of funding for Employment Law Centre
Thursday, 29 June 2017 The Law Society of Western Australia welcomes the announcement by the State Government today that funding will be restored to the Employment Law Centre of WA. The State Government has announced that $990,000, or $330,000 a year, will be provided to the central business district office in the next three financial…
The Law Society congratulates the Hon Robert French AC on appointment as UWA Chancellor
Wednesday, 21 June 2017 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates the Hon Robert French AC on his appointment as Chancellor of The University of Western Australia. “The Law Society was delighted to learn of the Hon Robert French AC’s appointment as UWA Chancellor,” said Law Society President Alain Musikanth. “He has had a significant…
Legal profession warmly welcomes Professor Rosalind Croucher as AHRC President
The Law Council of Australia has welcomed the appointment of Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM as the next President of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Fiona McLeod SC, President of the Law Council of Australia, said Professor Croucher was eminently qualified for the vital role. “Professor Croucher has had a brilliant career in the…
Legal profession sets out core principles and commitments on human rights, as international spotlight shines on nation
Friday, 16 June 2017 The Law Council today launched its Policy Statement on Human Rights and the Legal Profession, laying out core principles and commitments of behalf of the Australian legal profession. The Policy Statement sets out a framework for evaluating the merits of legislation, policy, and practice by reference to international human rights law….
Recommendations in new elder abuse report should trigger decisive Government action
A new incident response scheme for aged care should be introduced, and many of the other key recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC’s) vitally important report pursued, according to the Law Council of Australia. The ALRC has released its final report into elder abuse, capping off a national inquiry that was launched in…
Proposed new powers over AAT on citizenship decisions risks undermining vital checks and balances
Thursday, 15 June 2017 The expansion of the Immigration Minister’s power to overrule independent citizenship decisions made by the AAT is a disproportionate response that weakens crucial checks and balances. The new powers are outlined in The Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 introduced into the…
Political attacks on the courts a very worrying trend
Tuesday, 13 June 2017 The Law Council, speaking on behalf of the Australian legal profession, is calling for an end to political attacks on the judiciary, especially in cases where they might be perceived to interfere with matters currently before the courts. Law Council of Australia President, Fiona McLeod SC, said recent comments from Government…
COAG must prioritise risk assessment tools used for parole and bail
Friday, 9 June 2017 The Law Council of Australia today called on COAG to give high priority to developing superior risk assessment tools, not only in relation to those convicted of terrorist offences but for violent offenders who may have a propensity for extremist views or terrorism activity. This week’s terror attack in Melbourne, and…
Law Society congratulates Gail Archer SC on Supreme Court appointment
Monday, 29 May 2017 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Gail Archer SC on her appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia with effect from today. Her Honour commenced legal practise at the Crown Solicitor’s Office (as it then was), before joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions…
Reconciliation can be advanced by constitutional change
Friday, 26 May 2017 On the eve of National Reconciliation Week, the Law Council of Australia has released its submission to the Referendum Council’s Discussion Paper calling for constitutional change to meet the aspirations and wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Law Council of Australia President, Fiona McLeod SC, said that meaningful strides towards…
Law Society congratulates the Hon Justice Beech on Court of Appeal appointment
Wednesday, 24 May 2017 The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates the Hon Justice Andrew Beech on his appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. His Honour’s appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement of the Hon Justice David Newnes. “On behalf of the Law Society, I warmly congratulate Justice Beech on…
Law Council recommends reform to continuing detention order, control order regimes
Friday, 19 May 2017 Representatives of the Law Council of Australia have appeared before the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Hearing today and recommended reform to Australia’s continuing detention order and control order regimes. Tim Game SC and David Neal SC, from the Law Council of Australia’s National Criminal Law Committee, told the hearing the…
