Submission: Protecting press freedom to ensure transparency and government accountability
The June 2019 raids on media outlets exposed in small part the extent to which Australian authorities now have the power to monitor journalists’ communication and devices, access and alter the data of media outlets and dissuade people from revealing information to journalists in the public interest. In the last decade or so, parliament has granted more and more powers of surveillance without also implementing corresponding safeguards to ensure freedom of the press.
New laws have increasingly criminalised speech and journalism, and the existing whistleblower protection laws are inadequate to ensure the protection of journalists’ sources.
Finally, the June 2019 raids highlighted the woefully inadequate warrant system for those cases where law enforcement are seeking access to journalist information.
Submission to 2025-26 Federal Budget consultation
The Human Rights Law Centre has put forward recommendations to the 2025-26 federal budget submissions across a range of issues, including campaigning for an Australian Human Rights Act, migration justice, prisoners’ rights, whistleblower protection and modern slavery.
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Submission to Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Act 2021 review
The Human Rights Law Centre is calling for stronger safeguards for the right to privacy and warned that these powers enable the AFP and ACIC to undertake significant invasions of privacy, encroach on the right to privacy, and threaten to have a chilling effect on the work of journalists and their sources.
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Submission to Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities
In a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ inquiry into antisemitism on Australian university campuses, the Human Rights Law Centre has called for reforms that uphold Australia's commitment to international human rights standards, fostering a society that respects equality, freedom, and justice for all.
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Human Rights Law Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, including the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Cammeraygal, Darug, Wadawurrung, Turrbal and Jagera people where we work from.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present. This land always was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
WARNING: This site contains images or names of people who have passed away.