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Law Council Update

The Law Council produces a fortnightly e-newsletter which features highlights on advocacy, media, submissions, and events the legal profession would be interested in. To subscribe please email: subscription@lawcouncil.au.

You can read the past editions below. 

  • LCA Update - 22 September 2023
    In this edition, read about the Law Council’s UN Statement on the Death Penalty presented at the 54th Human Rights Council and President Murphy’s attendance to the PacLII Regional Stakeholder Summit on Maintaining and Enhancing Free Access to Law in the Pacific Region held in Port Vila, Vanuatu. From a domestic perspective, read about the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Violence Against Women and Children panel event and key highlights from the LCA Joint Section Seminar 2023.
     
  • LCA Update - 8 September 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia highlights its upcoming webinar ‘2023 Referendum: The role and value of a constitutionally enshrined Voice’ and invites members of the Australian legal profession to attend. In addition, as part of the Law Council’s 90th Anniversary, the Law Council had the honour to interview the Hon Alex Chernov AC KC, who served as President in 1990–1991. Also read about key updates on the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 (Cth) and a media statement on judicial immunity.
     
  • LCA Update - 25 August 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia welcomes the new Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice Stephen Gageler AC. In addition, the Law Council appeared before the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in relation to the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023 and appeared before the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in relation to the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023.
     
  • LCA Update - 11 August 2023
    In this edition, read the Law Council of Australia's media release on the Australian Government’s consideration of reforms with the broad objective of strengthening the integrity of the tax system. In addition, read the Law Council's recent submissions on the Climate-Related Financial Disclosure: Second Consultation; Consultation on proposed reforms to the execution of Commonwealth statutory declarations; and Continuing Professional Development for Legal Practitioners on Coercive Control.
     
  • LCA Update - 28 July 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia highlights LCA President, Mr Luke Murphy and Senior Policy Lawyer (International), Ms Charlotte Stubbs’ attendance to the International Malaysia Law Conference and the 33rd Presidents of Law Associations in Asia (POLA) Summit hosted by the Malaysian Bar Council in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the Law Council welcomes national dialougue on sexual consent lasws and pays tribute to past President, Mr Tim Bugg AM.
     
  • LCA Update - 14 July 2023
    In this edition, read the Law Council’s submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee in response to its inquiry into the provisions of the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 (Cth). In addition, the Law Council of Australia raised concern regarding arrest warrants issued for Hong Kong Pro-democracy activists.
     
  • LCA Update - 30 June 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia welcomed the Constitutional Alteration to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament and Executive. In addition, the Law Council also published a comprehensive Guide for the Legal Profession and a series of factsheets for the Referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Check out highlights from the 2023 National Access to Justice and Pro Bono Conference which was held in Brisbane.
     
  • LCA Update - 16 June 2023
    In this edition, read the Law Council of Australia’s recently revised ‘Best Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners in Relation to Elder Financial Abuse’ and its new companion guide ‘Best Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners on Assessing Mental Capacity’. In addition, the Law Council also congratulates Ms Margery Nicoll on her King’s Birthday Honours Award.
     
  • LCA Update - 2 June 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia hightlights the International Bar Association (IBA) Bar Leaders' Conference which held in Helsinki from 24-27 May 2023 and also features key submissions, which include the 'Review of Commonwealth Secrecy Provisions' and '2023 Workplace Reform Consultations'. 
     
  • LCA Update - 19 May 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia acknowledged the Federal Budget 2023-24, however there was a missed opportunity to further fund the legal assistance service sector. In addition Law Council President, Mr Luke Murphy, met with Emeritus Prof. Rosalind Croucher AO on 12 May 2023.
     
  • LCA Update - 05 May 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia featured the National Policy Lawyers' Forum 2023 which was held in Canberra on 27-28 April, also highlighted the Law Council President's attendence to the New Zealand Law Society Board and Council Meeting held in Wellington.
     
  • LCA Update - 21 April 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia highlighted the President, Mr Luke Murphy, attended a ceremonial sitting for the Honourable Chief Justice Mortimer last Monday 17 April 2023. The Law Council also hightlighted its recent submission to the Attorney-General's Department in response to its consultation on the Privacy Act Review Report.
     
  • LCA Update - 6 April 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia welcomed the Honourable Justice Debra Mortimer on her appointment as the new Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia and highlights Law Council President, Mr Luke Murphy's statement before the Court for the swearing-in of Judge Louise Goodchild and Judge Constantina (Dina) Lioumis. 
     
  • LCA Update - 24 March 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia highlighted the LCA President's attendence to 2023 Commonwealth Law Conference in Goa, India. The Law Council also highlighted two oral statements presented by the LCA President, the during the 52nd sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
     
  • LCA Update - 10 March 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia highlighted the LCA President's attendence of the Prime Minister's Cybersecurity Roundtable, leading a session on regulatory reform and harmonisation of laws relating to cybersecurity. The Law Council also featured the submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's inquiry into the provisions of the the IGIS Bill.
     

  • LCA Update - 24 February 2023
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia raised serious concerns regarding the Human Source Management Bill 2023 introduced earlier this month. The Law Council of Australia also welcomed reform of metadata retention laws.

  • LCA Update - 10 February 2023
    In the first edition of 2023, the Law Council of Australia highlighted the 2023-24 Pre-budget submission to the Treasury. The Law Council of Australia and its Family Law Section also welcomes the Family Law Reform.

  • LCA Update - 16 December 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia welcomes Mr Luke Murphy as the 2023 President. The Law Council also highlighted the IBA Conference in Miami.

  • LCA Update - 2 December 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia was very pleased to be able to hold its first ‘in-person’ annual gala dinner in three years. The Law Council also welcomed the passage this week of the legislation which will establish the NACC.

  • LCA Update - 18 November 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council responded to a report in relation to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and also noted the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will expand its Lighthouse model to 15 family law registries across the country.

  • LCA Update - 4 November 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council welcomed the investments in the community-led justice reinvestment intiatives and First Nations-led legal assistance services announced in the Federal Budget. The Law Council also highlights Ms Kate Eastman AM SC, Chair of the Law Council's Equal Opportunity Committee, keynote address at the Westpac Equitable Briefing event in Sydney.

  • LCA Update - 21 October 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council provided evidence to a number of Parliamentary inquires this fortnight, including the Joint Seclect Committee on National anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Legislation. Also, on Monday the 17th October 2022, Mr Tass Liveris has addressed the Court at the ceremonial sitting to welcome the Hon Jayne Margaret Jagot's appointment.

  • LCA Update - 7 October 2022
    In this edition, Law Council welcomes the introduction of legislation in to the Federal Parliament which will establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The Law Council also highlights the historic appointment of the Honourable Justice Jayne Jagot as a Justice of the High Court of Australia.

  • LCA Update - 23 September 2022
    In this edition, Law Council President, Mr Tass Liveris. and Senior Policy Lawyer (International), Ms Charlotte Stubbs, represented the Law Council at the LAWASIA ADR Conference held in Denarau, Fiji on 8-9 September 2022. After attending the LAWASIA ADR Conference, Commonwealth Lawyers Association President, Mr Brian Speers, visited Canberra on 14-15 September together with former Law Council President, Ron Heinrich AM.

  • LCA Update - 9 September 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council and the Australian Bar Association highlighed deep concern about attacks on judicial independence in Kiribati. The Law Council also highlights the Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 (Bill).

  • LCA Update - 26 August 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council expressed concern of continued assaults on judicial independence in Kiribati and also has launched a checklist designed to help small legal workplaces and sole practitioners recruit and retain new staff.

  • LCA Update - 12 August 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council welcomed the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commmission's review of the laws relating to impartiality and bias. The Law Council also pleased to see communiques published following the most recent Disability Reform Ministers' Meetings committed to review and improve the operation of NDIS and reduce the number of appeals of decisions by the NDIA to AAT.

  • LCA Update - 29 July 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council publicly and strongly condemned the execution of four pro-democracy figures by Myanmar’s Tatmadaw following closed, summary proceedings before military tribunals. In addition, the Law Council is concerned Raising the Minumum Age of Criminal Responsibility.
     
  • LCA Update - 15 July 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr James Popple as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr Popple will begin his new role on 25 July 2022. The Law Council also highlights the Law Council President, Mr Tass Liveris' attendance at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP, on the design of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
     
  • LCA Update - 1 July 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council addresses the need for the AAT remind independent and adequately resourced. The Law Council also announced the opening of the 2022 Australian Young Lawyer Awards.
     
  • LCA Update - 17 June 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council congratulates all those recognised for their service to the law in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List. The Law Council also highlights the renewed call for measures that will better protect older Australians on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, (June 15).
     
  • LCA Update - 3 June 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council welcomes the new government ministry, in particular the incoming Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus QC. The Law Council also highlighs the historic appointment of the first indigenous Supreme Court appointee, Mr Lincoln Crowley QC and paid tribute after the passing of Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE QC.
     
  • LCA Update - 20 May 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council highlights the Electronic Conveyancing (Adoption of National Law) Amendment Bill 2022 passed by the NSW Parliament. The Law Council and its Constituent Bodies have been long time participants in the development of the national electronic conveyancing system. The Law Council also promotes the upcoming conference to mark the 90th anniversary of Donoghue vs Stevenson 1932 SC (HL) 31 on 26 May 2022, hosted by the Law Society of Scotland.
     
  • LCA Update - 6 May 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council highlights the consultation undertaken with Anti-Slavery Australia to develop a national compensation scheme model for survivors of modern-day slavery. In addition, the Law Council promotes the work undertaken by it's specialist committees in copyright legislation policy and national iteroprability reform, along with highlighting other key submissions.
     
  • LCA Update - 22 April 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council highlights its 2022 Call to Parties document in the lead up to the federal election. The document outlines the key issues of concern to the Australian legal profession and seeks the commitment of the various political parties. In addition, the Law Council provides an update on the President’s recent engagements and events, and highlights its recent submission to the Banking Code Compliance Committee in relation to its Inquiry into banks’ compliance with Chapter 45 of the Banking Code of Practice.
     
  • LCA Update - 11 April 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council highlights key announcements from 2022 federal budget and welcomes appointments to FCFCOA and AAT. In addition, the Law Council circulated a media release in relation to Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2021, outlining its policy position. Find out who won this year’s Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year Award and listen to the latest episode of the BLS Report Podcast.
     
  • LCA Update - 25 March 2022
    In this edition of LCA Update, the Law Council urged all sectors of the justice system, including governments, to urgently work together to close the justice gap faced by First Nations peoples and implement the recommendations now made in countless Royal Commissions and inquiries on Aboriginal deaths in custody and over-incarceration rates. The Law Council also welcomes the appointment of Mr Leo Hardiman as the Freedom of Information Commissioner.
     
  • LCA Update - 15 March 2022
    In this edition of LCA Update, the Law Council highlights new data in relation to its Equitable Briefing Policy for 2019-2022 and provides updates on key submission work in response to the draft National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 and the Social Media (Anti-Trolling) Bill 2022.
     
  • LCA Update - 25 February 2022
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on its recent submissions and advocacy work. In particular the submission to the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman in response to its inquiry into small business natural disaster preparedness and resilience, and the submission to the Department of Home Affairs in relation to its Discussion Paper on the Reform of Australia’s Electronic Surveillance Framework. Other updates include international engagements and webinars.
     
  • LCA Update - 11 February 2022
    In the first edition of LCA Update for 2022, read an opinion piece by Law Council President, Tass Liveris, on the religious discrimination bill and updates on the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill, and the review of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
  • LCA Update - 10 December 2021
    In the last edition for 2021, read the Law Council’s Position Paper on ‘Addressing the legal needs of the missing middle’ which seeks to ensure all Australians have effective access to justice. Watch a recording of the ‘Looking downstream: the long-term costs of underfunding legal aid in Australia’ webinar, joined by a panel of eminent members of the legal and economic sectors. Find out which criminal law specialist won the 2021 President’s Award and get to know upcoming Indigenous law students Mr Cameron Downey and Ms Michelle Burchill – winners of the 2022 John Koowarta Scholarship.
     
  • LCA Update - 29 November 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia welcomes the decision by Australia’s State Attorneys-General to support development of a proposal to increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 10 to 12 years of age, but believes an opportunity to bring Australia into step with international human rights standards has been missed. The Law Council also provides an update on its latest public hearing appearance in relation to the inquiry into the Corporations Amendment (Improving Outcomes for Litigation Funding Participants) Bill 2021.  
     
  • LCA Update - 12 November 2021
    In this edition, read about the Law Council’s Lawyer Project Report released in early November. The Report aims to increase public awareness of the role of the legal profession, in particular the beneficial contribution of the profession to the community. Also read updates on the inquiry on the adequacy and efficacy of Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime and the inquiry into Australia’s engagement in Afghanistan.
     
  • LCA Update - 29 October 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on the recently passed Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020 and highlights its submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee inquiry into the COAG Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. The Business Law Section announces winner for the 2021 Tom Yuncken Australian Young Construction Lawyer Award.
     
  • LCA Update - 15 October 2021
    In this edition, read the Law Council’s revised Policy Statement on the Death Penalty; learn who has been appointed as new Federal Circuit and Family Court Judge and find out more on the Law Council’s newly established a National Security Committee.
     
  • LCA Update - 1 October 2021
    In this edition, read about the Law Council of Australia’s concerns in relation to the COAG Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 and learn about the ‘Digital Treechange’ – a new initiative launched by the Law Council to increase the recruitment of lawyers in rural, regional and remote (RRR) Australia.
     
  • LCA Update - 17 September 2021
    In this edition, read the Law Council President’s media statement on justice system reform to prevent family, domestic and sexual violence, and key updates on Law Council submissions in relation to Use of technology for corporate meetings and the Joint Costs Advisory Committee’s inquiry into scales of costs.
     
  • LCA Update - 3 September 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council highlights concern that recommendations to add crucial safeguards to the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020 were ignored. Other updates include the public hearing on the PJCIS’s Review of the Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020 and a submission on the CP 345 Litigation funding schemes: Guidance and relief.
     
  • LCA Update - 20 August 2021
    In this edition, read the Law Council’s submission to the Australian Registrars' National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC) regarding Consultation Draft 7 of the Model Operating Requirements (MORs) and read the joint statement on Afghanistan by the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Bar Association.
     
  • LCA Update - 10 August 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on its recent national roundtable on EPOA law reforms and also addresses the Federal Family Violence Orders scheme. Read about the significant changes to Australia’s foreign investment laws, commonly referred to as the ‘FIRB Regime’, which took effect on 1 January 2021.
     
  • LCA Update - 23 July 2021
    In this edition, read the submission on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures for Consultation) Bill 2021: Use of technology for meetings and related amendments (Exposure Draft). The Law Council also calls for more clarity about proposed family violence regimes. From an international perspective, Law Council President, Dr Jacoba Brasch QC, presented an oral statement in the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar during the 47th UN Human Rights Council.
     
  • LCA Update - 9 July 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council highlights its new Strategic Plan 2021-2026. The five-year Strategic Plan provides a blueprint and delivers objectives for the organisation, recognising that the Law Council of Australia seeks to advance the charter and success of law societies, bar associations and Law Firms Australia. In addition, read about sexual harassment in the legal profession, Indigenous rights and the updated version of the Law Council's Policy Statement on the Process of Judicial Appointments.
     
  • LCA Update - 24 June 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on electronic document execution, the announcement that the UK and Australian governments have agreed on the broad outlines of an Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and rule of law in Samoa.
     
  • LCA Update - 10 June 2021
    In this edition, read about the Business Law Section’s submission in response to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s draft Regulator Performance Guide (April 2021) and the Law Council’s recent public hearing appearance before the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM) in relation to the review into the operation of section 22 of the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 (Cth) as it applies in the ‘Alan Johns’ matter (a pseudonym).
     
  • LCA Update - 1 June 2021
    In this edition, understand what domestic violence experts from across the country have to say about how the legal profession may re-think its responses to domestic and family violence after convening at a Law Council National Roundtable. Also, read about the Law Council is calling on all governments to take more action in legal and policy reform to ensure that the new targets set out in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, do not remain aspirational.
     
  • LCA Update - 13 May 2021
    In this edition, read about the Federal Budget 2021-22 and how it will impact the legal profession and legal services. Also updates on two public hearings in relation to the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Amendment (Standards and Assurance) Bill 2021.
     
  • LCA Update - 30 April 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security’s (PJCIS) public hearing into extremist movements and radicalisation in Australia; and welcomes Indigenous justice announcements by the Australian Government and the Opposition. Check out the new ‘Guidance: Update on AGMs, electronic document execution and digital shareholder communications’, jointly produced by the Governance Institute of Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australasian Investor Relations Association and the Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.
     
  • LCA Update - 15 April 2021
    In this edition, the Law Council calls for a comprehensive national response to address the vastly disproportionate imprisonment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 30 years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC). It also welcomes the Federal Government’s engagement with the important issue of sexual harassment as a matter for the national agenda.
     
  • LCA Update - 1 April 2021
    In this edition, read about why the Law Council believes the Australian Government should now respond to the ALRC’s Pathways to Justice–Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Report. Also, watch a video of Law Council President, Dr Jacoba Brasch QC, presenting a statement before the Secretary General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children within the programme of the 46th Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Statement notes the Law Council’s advocacy for raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years across Australia and discussed the need for a holistic approach to juvenile justice reforms.
     
  • LCA Update 18 March 2021
    In this edition, learn about the Law Council’s Rural, Regional and Remote (RRR) National Strategic Plan 2021-2023 and its new ‘Time for Change: Addressing Sexual Harassment’ webpage - a webpage with resources and measures to address sexual harassment within the legal profession. In addition, read the Law Council’s views on the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identity and Disrupt) Bill 2020.
     
  • LCA Update - 19 February 2021
    In this edition, Law Council of Australia President advocates a need for the establishment of a standalone Federal Judicial Commission and notes the government is moving in the right direction. Also, read a joint statement by the Law Council of Australia, Women’s Legal Services Australia, Community Legal Centres Australia and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services in relation to the government’s Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Bill 2019.
     
  • LCA Update - 5 February 2021
    In the first edition of 2021, Law Council of Australia President joined the Singapore and Hong Kong Opening of the Legal Year events virtually due to COVID. In addition, the Northern Territory Opening of the Legal Year was also commenced virtually. Read submission updates on Australia’s Universal Periodic Review (3rd Cycle) and the Bankruptcy Regulations 2021 - Exposure Draft & Discussion Paper.
  • LCA Update - 17 December 2020
    In the last edition of 2020, meet the newly appointed 2021 Law Council Executives. Dr Jacoba Brasch QC will take over the reigns as President and will begin her term on 1 January. Find out which human rights advocate was presented the LCA’s President's Award and who were the winners of the Australian Young Lawyers Awards and John Koowarta Scholarship. Also, learn more about the Law Council Section Executive appointments.
     
  • LCA Update - 3 December 2020
    In this edition, former Family Court Chief Justices say the Family Court merger is ‘undesirable’ for families and the release of the Australia’s National Integrity System: The Blueprint for Action Report, is timely says Law Council of Australia.
     
  • LCA Update - 23 November 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia highlights the need to reignite the conversation and calls on the Australian Government to implement a federal Human Rights Act. The Law Council also addresses unfair hikes to Federal Circuit Court migration fees and congratulates new Family Law Appointments.
     
  • LCA Update - 9 November 2020
    In this edition, key topics include the Commonwealth Integrity Commission, closing the justice gap and appointments to the High Court of Australia.
     
  • LCA Update - 23 October 2020
    In this edition, read updates on the Family Court merger, insolvency laws and the need for urgent law reform to protect public interest journalism.
     
  • LCA Update - 9 October 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council of Australia pays tribute to Judge Guy Andrew, comments on recent court fundings and the need for review and reform of Commonwealth legislation to protect Indigenous cultural heritage.
     
  • LCA Update - 24 September 2020
    In this edition, learn about the rise in the number of female barristers being briefed on matters over the past three years, according to the latest Equitable Briefing Policy Annual Report 2018-19. Watch Law Council President, Pauline Wright’s UN Statement to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and read the Law Council’s ‘Best Practice Guide for Legal Practitioners in relation to Elder Financial Abuse’.
     
  • LCA Update - 10 September 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council says COVID-19 should not be used an excuse to curtail Australia’s personal freedoms that are unrelated to the pandemic. Emergency COVID-19 powers have been used to again extend the powers of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to detain people for up to seven days for compulsory questioning in relation to terrorism, even though the government proposes to repeal them. Also, read the Law Council President’s opening statement form the Inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence.
     
  • LCA Update - 27 August 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council provides updates on its Indigenous Incarceration and the Northern Territory Webinar and outlines its view on the revised ASIO Guidelines.
     
  • LCA Update - 13 August 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council announces Michael Tidball as its new Chief Executive Officer and releases a new fact sheet to help businesses understand their reporting requirements under the Modern Slavery Act. The Law Council also provides an update a public hearing in relation to Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services’ Inquiry into Litigation Funding and the Regulation of the Class Action Industry.
     
  • LCA Update - 30 July 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council expresses disappointment following the decision by the Council of Attorneys-General to defer the proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility for at least twelve months. The Law Council also speaks on the Family Court Bomber and enhancing protections relating to the use of enduring power of attorney instruments.
     
  • LCA Update - 17 July 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on sexual harassment in the legal profession and what the Law Council is doing to address this issue. Law Council President, Pauline Wright presents an oral statement to the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
     
  • LCA Update - 2 July 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council addresses sexual harassment in the legal profession as well as raising concerns over reports that China’s top legislative body unanimously passed new national security law.
     
  • LCA Update - 18 June 2020
    In this edition, read about the Law Council calling on the government to reconsider mandatory minimum sentences, and the new principles developed by the Law Council due to COVID-19. You can also listen to Law Council President speak to Lawyers Weekly on ‘How advocacy from lawyers will evolve post-pandemic’.
     
  • LCA Update - 5 June 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council highlight’s the High Court ruling of unlawful use of force in Don Dale and the government’s new inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence. Also, learn more about the Business Law Section’s new podcast, The BLS Report.
     
  • LCA Update - 14 May 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council welcomes the Australian Government’s additional $63.3 million injection for frontline legal services to support people impacted by COVID-19. The Law Council also provides on update on the COVIDSafe tracing app and information about what defines an ‘essential service’ and who classifies as an ‘essential worker’ through its COVID-19 Fact sheet – Essential Services, produced together with the Australian Medical Association.
     
  • LCA Update - 16 April 2020
    In this edition, read about the Law Council’s new biosecurity fact sheet titled ‘Rights and Responsibilities under the Biosecurity Act’, and what measures the government is implementing to keep Australians safe from infectious diseases. Law Council President says these measures should be proportionate and should not outlast the crisis. Also, find out who won this year’s Mahla Pearlman Award for the Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year award.
     
  • LCA Update - 18 March 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council provides an update on the COVID-19 outbreak and its operations. Meet the Law Council’s new Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tidball, and read about the Law Council’s recent appearance before the Joint Select Committee Inquiry into Australia’s Family Law System. The LCA calls for holistic reform to the family law system and for solutions to be developed to benefit Australian families.
     
  • LCA Update - 5 March 2020
    In this edition, learn about the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) and the exceptional powers under the Act, how the principles of open justice must be protected and the Australian Government’s Public Consultation Paper on the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-24.
     
  • LCA Update 20 February 2020
    In this edition, the Law Council welcomes the landmark High Court decision confirming that the Australian Parliament cannot use the “aliens” power to make laws for Aboriginal Australians and comments on the latest Closing the Gap Report.  
     
  • LCA Update - 7 February 2020
    In the first edition of 2020, new figures from the Productivity Commission show delays across the family law system are reaching alarming levels. Law Council of Australia President, Pauline Wright, said the concern was the increase in the number of cases more than a year-old waiting to be heard. Other key updates include submissions on Corporate Criminal Responsibility and Religious Freedom Bills - Second Exposure Drafts.

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