News and Events

RLC has been active in the project to consolidate federal anti-discrimination laws in Australia.

RLC has become a regular contributor to the South Sydney Herald. This month we commented on new law that provides federal protection from discrimination for people in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities.

Since the introduction of significant reforms to the laws governing consumer credit in Australia, the Credit & Debt team has maintained a focus in its casework on the new responsible lending provisions.

RLC regularly sees new clients who are the target of what would ordinarily be called police harassment. In NSW it is described as 'proactive policing'.

RLC continues to call for independent investigation of police complaints and serious incidents, both in NSW and nationally.

In NSW, arrest is a power of last resort. Yet over the past year, we have advised on several cases where police have used arrest at their convenience.

RLC's Susan Smith on the issue of victims of domestic violence being charged with making false statements to police.

Discussion about the proposed Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination legislation has been dominated by a debate on religious organisation exemptions and freedom of speech. There has been public outcry over religious organisations being exempt from the legislation and the ramifications for service provision to some of the most vulnerable people in Australia.

Today the Federal Government has announced that it will not proceed with the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill, despite recommendations from the Senate enquiry held in January this year.

Today in Sydney public hearings are being held to discuss the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill. RLC is providing evidence at today's public hearings alongside representatives from the National Association of Community Legal Centres.