With a federal election only months away, the government needs to lift its game over citizens’ liberties and rights if it is to be re-elected. The ballyhooed promise of a National Commission Against Corruption is not being realised, Robodebt repercussions remain unresolved, campaigning internationally against the death penalty is moribund, and a strong parliamentary committee drive for a thorough overhaul of human rights, including a new federal Human Rights Act, languish for want of a formal government response. Maybe the newly sworn in Ministry will help, but it’s really a swift change of attitude, followed by more urgent positive action, that’s needed.
Other items this issue include:
- Kirby comes out strongly for a Human Rights Act
- INSLM wants draconian security laws wound back
- Secret surveillance becoming all-pervasive
- Police investigating police no longer acceptable
- WA juvenile jailing: lies predominant in Justice Dept
- Judicial Commissions set up to fail
- CCRC boss in England facing the sack
- What happens when crime lab standards fail
- Prisoners released early to save jails from collapse