Shield Laws for Journalists

the press is and must be independent from government and has a presumptive, though not unconditional, right to seek out the news. Freedom of speech is rooted in a distrust of the government’s capacity to regulate speech, particularly political speech, where it is in a position of a conflict of interest. This conflict is no starker when it is seeking to restrain the use of embarrassing information obtained by journalists

Read More
Submission on Extension of Covid Emergency Powers

The virus is not going to disappear any time soon. This means, we are eventually going to have to start finding ways to deal with it that are not draconian. The widespread availability of safe and effective vaccines makes it not only possible for us to cope with the virus in the way we cope with the flu, but dictates that the emergency measures which have been implemented to deal with it must also come to an end

Read More
Submission to Transport and Resources committee concerning Engine Immobiliser Technology

the first question that must be addressed is whether the technology is actually going to reduce harm caused by police chases. The chase must presumably have to start. There must still have to be a police policy dealing with the circumstances in which chases will be commenced, even if they are intended to be relatively short because this technology will be available.

Overseas discussions of this issue make reference to avoiding problems with other vehicles by implementing technology in all cars which enables each car to react to the presence of another vehicle.

This then brings us to serious other issues connected with this type of technology. Those issues relate to the fundamental rights of privacy and freedom of movement.

Read More
Mandatory Checkin App raises privacy issues

“The QCCL calls on the government to provide assurances to the people of Queensland, that data collected from the Check in QLD app will be used solely for the stated purpose of contact tracing. QCCL also seeks assurances that information collected from the Check-in app will not be used for law enforcement purposes or any other additional purpose” said Mr. Cope

Read More