News and Events

More than a dozen NSW police have raided a handful of Oxford Street clubs just a day after the state government hosted a roundtable to canvass the impact that the watchdog-referred police drug raids in June had on LGBTQI+ nightlife venues.

RLC condemns repeated raids by NSW Police on Oxford Street venues as harassment of the LGBTIQA+ community that fail to disrupt drug supply while causing real social harm and health risk

This announcement follows years of advocacy by Redfern Legal Centre, many other community and health organisations, and families impacted by drug-related deaths at music festivals. It is encouraging that the NSW Government is listening to evidence and expert advice and backing harm minimisation measures. However, the Government must now take the next logical step and cease the use of drug detection dogs and strip searches for suspected drug possession at music festivals.

Mental health experts to triage triple zero calls, but not all of the changes will be implemented 24/7 or statewide.

Redfern Legal Centre welcomes the new health-led model for mental health emergency responses, but says NSW Police still need updated training and use-of-force protocols since they'll remain involved when appropriate.

An officer filmed repeatedly punching a man lying on the ground in the back of the head was using an "approved manoeuvre", NSW Police said. The video filmed at Cabramatta train station on Monday night shows an officer striking the man on the platform after reports he was threatening commuters with a knife. One legal expert described the officer's actions as "excessive force" while NSW Police said the man assaulted officers during the arrest.

NSW police appeal after comprehensive class action loss in 2025 when force admitted music festival search of Raya Meredith was unlawful and unjustified

Legal experts are exploring whether the state government could be on the hook for damages over controversial protest laws. It comes as the laws to restrict protests in New South Wales following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack were struck down by the state's highest court on Thursday. The Supreme Court ruling opens the door for protesters to have their charges thrown out, experts believe.

Redfern Legal Centre welcomes the NSW Court of Appeal decision ruling the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) laws invalid.

Redfern Legal Centre says an investigation by the NSW police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), into police conduct is being undermined by disproportionate and intimidating police arrests.