During 2009 Community Legal Centres NSW (CLCNSW) changed its name. It was formerly called the Combined Community Legal Centres Group (CCLCG).

2009 - Submissions, letters and reports

• Media Release by CLCNSW and the PIAC calling on the Federal Government to acknowledge International Human Rights Day by agreeing to introduce a Human Rights Act for Australia.
• CLCNSW supports the ProChoice NSW campaign to decriminalise abortion in NSW. The objective of ProChoice NSW is to remove abortion from the NSW crimes act and treat abortion like other surgical procedures. Further information here.
• CLCNSW endorses the submission from Women’s Legal Services to the Consultation on Model Protection for Sexual Assault Counselling Communications. CLCNSW welcomes the opportunity that the consultation provides for a national approach to Sexual Assault Counselling Communications and the potential to strengthen the protection of victim’s records in sexual assault proceedings.
• CLCNSW letter of support for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre submission to the Statutory review of the Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002; and Statutory review of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002. CLCNSW also submitted a copy of our report Protest, Protection, Policing: The expansion of police powers and the impact on human rights in NSW written by Liz Snell for the Combined Community Legal Centres’ Group (NSW) and Kingsford Legal Centre to highlight CLCNSW concerns about the expansion of police powers in NSW.
• CLCNSW National Security Discussion Paper submission on counter-terrorism laws in Australia. This was a response to a discussion paper on proposed amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1995, the Crimes Act 1914, and other issues. The submission highlights concerns with Australian counter- terrorism laws and the impact they have on the rights and freedoms of Australians.
• CEDAW Shadow Report - CLCs, and in particular Womens Legal Service, were involved in preparation of this report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in Australia.
• CLCNSW endorsement of the submission made by the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre and the Refugee Advice and Rights Centre to the Inquiry into the Migration Amendment (Immigration Detention Reform) Bill 2009 (Detention Bill). CLCNSW submits that the provisions in the Detention Bill are inadequate to give substance to the principle of detention as a last resort, and for the shortest period of time. Nevertheless, the principles and measures introduced by the Detention Bill are a step in the right direction.
• CCLCG submission to the National Human Rights Consultation. The submission outlines ways in which human rights are not adequately protected in Australia at present, and recommends a range of measures to better protect human rights, including comprehensive human rights legislation, Constitutional amendments, parliamentary reform, and human rights education.
• CCLCG submission to the Discussion Paper on the 2009 NSW Domestic and Family Violence Strategic Framework. CCLCG strongly supports the development of a co-ordinated approach to address domestic and family violence. The submission outlines key principles that should inform the Strategic Framework, priority areas for improvement, particular groups that require improved assistance and an agenda for research.
• CCLCG in partnership with the International Commission of Jurists, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, the Sydney Centre for International Law and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties wrote an open letter to the (then) NSW Premier regarding the introduction of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Search Powers) Bill 2009. The Bill extends covert search powers to a wide range of offences.  CCLCG and the other authors express  surprise and concern at the lack of consultation in relation to the Bill, and the impact the Bill will have on fundamental human rights in NSW.
• CCLCG contributed to a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission Inquiry about Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century. The submission supports bringing Australia up to date in its compliance with international obligations with regard to the right to freedom of religion, and makes specific recommendations.
• CCLCG letter to the Attorney General of NSW expressing concerns about  recommendations made by the Chairperson of the Victims Compensation Tribunal in relation to the victims compensation scheme. In particular, CCLCG is strongly opposed to time limits for lodging claims for sexual assault, and to the proposed definition of “related acts”.  CCLCG call for wide consult with stakeholders about the Chairperson’s recommendations. CCLCG later wrote to the Shadow Attorney General, the Minister for Health, the Minister for Women and the Shadow Minister for Women about these concerns.
• CLCNSW budget submission for 2010-2010.