How does Freedom of Information work at the Federal Level? The Federal Freedom of Information Act 1982 (‘FOI Act’) gives individuals the right to access information held by federal government agencies. This includes: personal information they hold about you information about government policies or decisions. Any individual or organisation can make a request under the
Federal Freedom of Information (FOI): Is It Effective? Read More »
The Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (the ‘Act’) deals with involuntary admissions. What is an involuntary admission? Involuntary admission involves a person going into to a mental health unit against their will. The Act sets out strict criteria that must be met before someone can be involuntarily admitted. These are: The person must have a
Being Scheduled Under the Mental Health Act NSW: Your Rights Read More »
The Australian Labor Party was elected in May with one of its key policies to enact a federal corruption watchdog. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to enact the legislation by the end of the year. However, the precise terms of the legislation are yet to be settled. In 2019, Independent MP Helen Haines introduced an
Federal Anti-corruption commission comparison: Labor ICAC Bill v MP Haines’ Commission Read More »
The Law On Recording Devices in NSW What are recording devices? In New South Wales, the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (‘the SDA’) regulates the use of any recording devices. This includes the use, installation and maintenance of a listening device to record, monitor or listen to a private conversation. Pursuant to the SDA, a surveillance
Recording Devices Law NSW: When Is It Legal? Read More »
How to apply for an annulment application in NSW: Everything you need to know What is an annulment application? If you do not appear in Court for your Hearing or Sentence, the Local Court can still convict and/or sentence you under s 196 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW). If you are not at
Annulment Application NSW: Reverse a Conviction Read More »
What is a bail enforcement condition? When a person gets bail, they can have certain conditions attached to their freedom. Such as, requiring them to reside at a specific address or imposing a curfew. These conditions are designed to alleviate any concerns or risks when granting bail, known as a ‘bail concern’. An enforcement condition
How does a bail enforcement condition by a court work? Read More »
With digital media becoming accessible, businesses are increasingly able to become publishers of their own information and opinions. As there is little regulation and complex legislation, what can, and cannot be lawfully published becomes a pressing subject. In 2019, the United Kingdom Supreme Court handed down judgement in Lachaux v Independent Print Ltd and Evening Standard
‘Serious Harm’ in Defamation: UK Supreme Court Ruling Read More »
State government agencies are covered by their own State privacy laws. In NSW, this is the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act). Also, there is The Health Records Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act). Section 27 of the PPIP Act exempts certain bodies from complying with the IPPs. Those agencies are: The
When Are NSW Police Exempt From Privacy Laws? Read More »
A group of survivors and advocates are calling for an end to abuse within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), off the back of the Royal Commission. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide will not only examine suicides but also the underlying culture and practices that leads to Australian Defence Force abuse. A group
Campaign To Draw Attention To Abuse In Defence Force Read More »
Police Commissioner Karen Webb has vowed to add 30 new members to the controversial Strike Force Raptor. Raptor started in 2009 as a proactive, high-impact operation targetting outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs). The Squad has come under fire for their aggressive tactics and lawlessness, and the over-militarisaion of the force. The latest shooting of Comanchero bike
Strike Force Raptor Boosted: Inside NSW’s Raptor 13 Read More »
