News and Events

8 May 2020 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RLC's Samantha Lee was a guest on The Drum, speaking alongside journalist Osman Faruqi about concerns that a disproportionate number of COVID-19 fines appear to be being issued in lower socioeconomic areas. The Drum (21 April 2020).

RLC's statewide financial abuse service is maintaining free telephone advice during the pandemic, and we welcome referrals.

There are calls for more police data and accountability to monitor how authorities are enforcing the coronavirus restrictions in Australia. Jarni Blakkarly reports for SBS News

On April 6 2020, the Migrant Employment Legal Service (MELS) wrote to the Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon Anne Ruston MP, to express concerns about the inability of vulnerable migrant workers to access welfare payments.

Guidance to NSW Police issuing COVID-19 public health fines must be made public and fines should not be issued to children to prevent people being further disadvantaged during the health crisis.

Police in New South Wales and Victoria have used new laws restricting public movement to fine more than 50 people for reasons including eating a kebab on a bench and sitting in a car. Max Opray reports for The Saturday Paper

Community legal centres have called on the federal government to protect migrant workers from visa cancellations during the COVID-19 crisis and urged businesses to rely on stand-down provisions rather than sack skilled employees.

A landmark report released by the Australian Human Rights Commission highlights the endemic nature of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces and the urgent need for law reform to protect workers.

Redfern Legal Centre's International Student Legal Service NSW has provided a response alongside WEstjustice Community Legal Centre and the Migrant Employment Legal Service regarding the underpayment and exploitation of migrant workers.