2008 - Submissions, letters and reports

• CCLCG letter to the Attorney General and Victim Services in response to the Government’s intention to “streamline” the Victims compensation Application process, and reduce the involvement of lawyers. CCLCG highlighted the complexity of many victims compensation matters, and barriers to self-representation.
• CCLCG joint letter and joint media release calling on the Attorney-General to publically release the report of the Clarke Inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef. Dr Haneef was detained for 12 days without charge, and his visa was cancelled. The Media release highlights the impact of Australia’s anti-terrorism laws and the extraordinary power they grant law enforcement agencies.
• CCLCG submission to the Review of the Freedom of Information Act 1989. CCLCG makes a number of recommendations to the Review with a particular focus on improving outcomes for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Fees and charges are also discussed.
• CCLCG endorsed the Australian Human Rights Group letter of support to the Prime Minister regarding the Government’s commitment to legal recognition and greater protection of human rights. CCLCG welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a national consultation.
• CCLCG submission to the NSW Legislative Council’s Social Issues Committee about their Interim Report on overcoming Indigenous disadvantage in NSW. CCLCG reiterates points about legal strategies for addressing sexual assault, family violence and child sexual abuse, which were not picked up in the Interim Report.
• CCLCG letter of support for the development of a National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children. Strong support is provided to the strategy proposed by Amnesty International as a model of world’s best practice for Australian women and children.
• CCLCG joint submission making a range of recommendations to the Senate Inquiry into the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender equality.
• CCLCG submission to Legal Aid NSW review of service provision to people in domestic violence matters. CCLCG makes a number of recommendations about the WDVCAS program and the Domestic Violence Solicitor Scheme. CCLCG also identifies the need for a stronger policy framework for service providers, and the need for consistency in service.
• CCLCG endorsed a letter to the Hon Stephen Smith, Hon Robert McClelland and Hon Jenny Macklin expressing strong support for the Australian Government's endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• CCLCG joint letter to the Attorney General expressing support for the adoption of an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and commenting on the form and contents of the draft Optional Protocol.
• CCLCG submission to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW. Nine recommendations are made concerning legislative coherence, administrative and judicial review and accountability of DoCS, enforcement, service provision to Indigenous children, accommodation for youth, mandatory reporting and DoCS staffing and resources.  CCLCG also endorses the submissions made by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Women’s Legal Services NSW, Youth Justice Coalition and the Intellectual Disability Rights Service.
• CCLCG wrote to the Commissioner of Police, calling for action to resolve delays in the processing of Freedom of Information Act applications by NSW Police.
• CCLCG submission to the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage. The CCLCG submission focussed on legal strategies for addressing sexual assault, family violence and child sexual abuse in Aboriginal Communities. These issues were identified as contributing to the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people.