UN to review Australia’s treatment of Indigenous Australians and asylum seekers
On Tuesday 10 November Australian Time, Australia’s human rights record will be under the microscope in Geneva as part of its second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). It is expected that Indigenous and asylum seeker issues will come under particular scrutiny. The UPR is a mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council…
Law Society concerned by Criminal Code Amendment (Prevention of Lawful Activity) Bill
The Law Society of Western Australia is concerned by the Criminal Code Amendment (Prevention of Lawful Activity) Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament. The Bill is too general and may erode fundamental aspects of our criminal justice system, which protects our entire community. The Law Society believes that the criminal offences in this…
Latest example of legal aid funding crisis should serve as wake-up call
A Northern Territory man facing serious assault charges has been denied legal assistance by the local Legal Aid Commission due to “insufficient funds,” in another striking example of Australia’s deepening legal aid funding crisis. The man’s trial had to be adjourned to enable him to obtain legal representation. Law Council of Australia President Mr Duncan…
Law Society concerned by the Criminal Law Amendment (Home Burglary and Other Offences) Bill 2014
The Law Society of Western Australia is concerned by the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment (Home Burglary and Other Offences) Bill 2014 that imposes mandatory sentences. The Law Society opposes mandatory sentencing in any form as it removes judicial discretion to determine a penalty which fits in the individual circumstances of the offender and…
Legal profession welcomes Ms Brigitte Markovic as new Federal Court judge
On behalf of the Australian legal profession, the Law Council of Australia applauds the appointment of Ms Brigitte Markovic as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia. Law Council President Mr Duncan McConnel said the prominent commercial litigator would make an outstanding addition to the Federal Court bench. Ms Markovic’s principal areas of practice…
The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Paul Tottle on Supreme Court appointment
The Law Society of Western Australia congratulates Paul Tottle on his appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Law Society President, Matthew Keogh said, “Mr Tottle is an outstanding choice as a Judge of the Supreme Court. He is highly respected within the legal profession as a litigator with broad knowledge…
