Alternative Law Journal
Media Release
4 September 1997
Responding to the Conservative Agenda
Welcome to the August 1997 edition of the Alternative Law
Journal. This edition explores the Conservative Agenda and its impact
on social justice issues in Australia. While providing valuable
critiques of aspects of the Conservative Agenda the writers have contributed
ways to counteract the effects of conservatism on the current legal and
political climate.
Former Supreme Court Judge and advocate of Aboriginal legal rights and
the rights of ordinary Australians, Mr Elliott Johnston QC, provides
an insight into the impact of the Conservative Agenda past and present.
With the wisdom of decades of fighting for social justice, Elliott
Johnston gives possible Left responses to counteract the detrimental effects
of conservatism.
Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja highlights the failure of the Coalition
to develop privacy laws for the private sector. Failure to do this
means that Australia's privacy laws are inadequate according to international
standards and technological developments.
Gus Bernardi evaluates the Actual Means Test for Austudy applicants.
He argues that the test designed to prevent 'Millionaires on Welfare'
continues to disadvantage those who need Austudy the most.
Rebecca La Forgia discusses the Bringing them Home Report
and legal and political responses to the tragic and horrific injustices
suffered by Aboriginal people. Included is a discussion of the High Court
decision Kruger & Bray on the issue of compensation.
Also in this edition
- The recent High Court decision Lange v Australian Broadcasting Corporation
on freedom of political speech.
- The development of a new Administrative Decisions Tribunal in NSW.
- Can necessity be a defence for the possession and administration
of cannabis for medical purposes?
- The prosecution of directors and officers of companies for environmental
offences.
- Recent statistics on our prison population and the lack of accountability
for privatised prisons.
- The lack of diversity in current legal education.
- Further discussion of the Stolen Children Report and the Kruger
decision in the DownUnderAllOver column.
For information about the August edition or to interview
the authors contact the Editors, Brian Simpson and Danielle
Misell, South Australian Committee through
Editorial Co-ordinator Liz.Boulton
on 03 9905 3362.
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