Judicial System

Retrospective legislation aimed at scuttling a court case

Media Release | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Thursday 3rd November 2011, 3:08pm
in

The Australian Greens agree with professional bodies the Law Council of Australia, Law Institute of Victoria and Victoria Legal Aid which have all expressed concern proposed amendments to the Migration Act.


Mr Julian Assange

Motion | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Thursday 3rd November 2011, 1:11pm
in

Senator LUDLAM: I move:
That the Senate-
(a) notes that the High Court in London will bring down its decision on Wednesday, 2 November 2011 regarding Sweden's request to extradite Mr Julian Assange; and
(b) calls on the Government to ensure that:
(i) the consular and legal rights of all Australian citizens overseas are fully protected, and
(ii) if extradited to Sweden for questioning, Mr Assange not be subject to further extradition from Sweden to the United States of America under a bilateral agreement to which Australia is not party.

Marzieh Vefamehr

Motion | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Wednesday 12th October 2011, 12:00am
in

Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia) (15:41): I move:
That the Senate expresses its deep concern for the welfare of Iranian actress Ms Marzieh Vefamehr who has been sentenced in Iran to one year in jail and 90 lashings for her role in the South Australian produced film My Tehran For Sale.


Question agreed to.


 

Greens welcome High Court decision, call for abolition of off-shore processing

Media Release | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Wednesday 31st August 2011, 4:59pm
in

The Australian Greens have welcomed the decision by the High Court which has ruled against the federal government's Malaysia people swap deal and said off-shore processing should be abandoned as a policy.

We're back in town

Blog Post | Blog of Sarah Hanson-Young
Tuesday 16th August 2011, 8:23am
by ParisLord in

We politicians are back in Canberra this morning after a five-week winter recess.

Govt wasting money in action against Hicks’ book

Media Release | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Wednesday 3rd August 2011, 1:31pm
in

The Federal Government is wasting taxpayers' money in its NSW Supreme Court action to try recovering the proceeds of David Hicks' memoir, the Australian Greens say.

Ban on writer’s visit raises more fears of crackdown in China

Media Release | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Monday 23rd May 2011, 4:06pm
in

Beijing's ban on writer Liao Yiwu's planned visit to Australia deepens fears of a growing crackdown on dissent in China, the Australian Greens said today.

The Greens communications spokesperson, Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam, said Mr Liao was scheduled to speak at the Sydney Writer's Festival on May 20th and May 21st but was denied permission to leave China prior to the event.

"Mr Liao is a leading social commentator and has written extensively on poverty and homelessness in China. The ban on his visit to Sydney is part of a concerted effort by the Beijing administration to suppress dissent in light of the protests sweeping the Middle East," said Senator Ludlam.

Decision to spare Rush’s life welcome

Media Release | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Tuesday 10th May 2011, 6:25pm
in

The Australian Greens today welcomed the news that Australian man Scott Rush has been spared the death penalty in Indonesia.

Greens spokesperson for legal affairs Senator Scott Ludlam said the Greens opposed the death penalty on principle in all cases, and were particularly troubled by the fact Mr Rush was only 19 years old when arrested as part of the ‘Bali Nine' and 20 years old when sentenced to death.

Statement acknowledging 20 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

Blog Post | Blog of Rachel Siewert
Monday 18th April 2011, 1:10pm
by ChrisRedman in

I start by acknowledging that this statement is being made on the land (boodja) of the Wadjuk Nyoongar people. I pay my respects to the traditional owners of this land and the elders past and present. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

National Security Legislation Monitor - update at January 2011

Estimates Transcripts | Spokesperson Scott Ludlam
Friday 28th January 2011, 4:42pm
in

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Supplementary Budget Estimates 18-21 October 2010

Dr McCarthy-The National Security Legislation Monitor will need to be someone with a strong background in national security issues, a person of high
standing. It is a part-time role, as you know, Senator. That is the reason why we were not required to advertise in the same way as for Public Service positions
more generally. The view was that a good field of candidates would be able to be developed for consideration.

Senator LUDLAM-How many did you shortlist and subsequently interview?

Dr McCarthy-I do not have that information in front of me.

Senator LUDLAM-Is that something you are able to provide for us?

Dr McCarthy-I can take that question on notice.

Answer:
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Attorney-General's Department developed an nitial list of 30 possible candidates.

In consultation with the former Cabinet Secretary, Senator the Hon Joseph Ludwig, this was ultimately reduced to a short-list of seven. These candidates were invited to submit an application to the National Security Adviser. A list of those individuals interested in being considered for the position was subsequently provided to the Prime Minister.

The Government has approached a preferred candidate and negotiations on the appointment are underway. Once those negotiations have concluded, the Government will consult with the Opposition on the proposed appointment, in accordance with the legislative requirements.