27 April 2021
20 min read
#Government, #Native Title & Indigenous Cultural Heritage
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Select Committee recommendations made to address the high level of First Nations people in custody and deaths in custody
The NSW Select Committee on the High Level of First Nation’s People in Custody and Oversight and Review of Deaths in Custody has published its Report, 30 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC). The Committee heard submissions at Parliament House from October to December 2020, and the final report was published on 15 April 2021.
The Report has been tabled in response to the lack of implementation in NSW of many of the recommendations made in the RCIADIC. The Report highlights the disproportionate rates of incarceration of First Nations communities and the systematic disadvantage contributing to this. In 2018-2019, there had been 455 Indigenous deaths in custody in the 28 years since the RCIADIC.
The terms of reference for the Report required that a select committee be established to inquire into and report on First Nations people in custody in NSW, including and in particular, the unacceptably high level of First Nations people in custody in NSW, the sustainability of the oversight bodies tasked with inquiries into deaths in custody in NSW, the oversight functions performed by State Bodies and how those functions should be undertaken, and any other related matter.
Recommendations
The Report makes 39 recommendations, ranging from legislative changes to allocation of funding and reviews of processes. This article will focus on select recommendations made by the Committee to changes in the law, court processes and delivery of services.
Legislative changes
Recommendation 8 – the legislative changes recommended in the Report include an amendment to the Bail Act 2013 to include a provision stipulating that a person’s Aboriginality and any issues arising from it must be taken into account by a bail decision-maker. The Report also highlights that Gladue style reporting should be introduced in NSW courts to ensure a First Nation person’s background and community is considered when sentencing.
Recommendation 10 – the Committee states that no child under the age of 14 should be held criminally responsible or incarcerated. In line with this, the Committee recommends that section 4A of the Summary Offences Act 1988, which criminalises the use of offensive language in or near or within hearing of a school, is amended so that there is only an offence where intimidation or actual threat of harm is involved.
Recommendation 13/14 – the Committee recommends that it be expressly legislated in the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 and the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 that the arrest, detention or imprisonment of a person should be a last measure and for the shortest period of time possible. It is also recommended that the Young Offenders Act 1997 be expanded to remove the cap on the number of cautions young people may be given. The Report discusses the importance of community-led justice reinvestment to provide tailored solutions to local problems.
Recommendation 32/33/34 – the Committee states that the remit of the Coroner needs to be legislatively strengthened so that they may make findings and recommendations on systematic reforms for deaths in custody. The Report recommends amending the Coroners Act 2009 so that a Coroner is required to examine whether there are systematic issues in relation to a death in custody, particularly for First Nations people, and make recommendations for improvements. The relevant government department and correctional centre must, within six months of receiving a Coroner’s report, respond in writing as to the implementation of recommendations made, and if they have not, the reasons why. The Committee also suggested that Coroners should be mandated to make findings on whether implementing the recommendations made in the RCIADIC would have reduced the risk of death of a First Nations person who has died in custody.
Recommendation 36 – recognising the importance of First Nations people being employed across the criminal justice system, the Committee recommends that the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Act 2016 be amended to include a senior statutory First Nations position to undertake engagement across the organisation and review policies and casework.
Court or sentencing processes
Recommendation 16 – for the benefit of First Nations children in the out-of-home care and criminal justice systems, the Committee recommends that a dedicated court list be established for proceedings under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) involving First Nations children.
Recommendation 17 – the Report recognises that circle sentencing is working to reduce rates of imprisonment and that when compared to Aboriginal offenders sentenced in the traditional way, offenders participating in circle sentencing were 9.3 per cent less likely to receive a prison sentence. The Committee suggests that the Department of Communities and Justice work with First Nations communities to increase the number of areas in which circle sentencing is available.
Recommendation 18 – the Drug Court of NSW is a specialist court that takes referrals from local and district courts of offenders dependent on drugs. The Committee recommends that the NSW Government expand the Drug Court to Dubbo and to other regional, rural and remote areas, as it emphasises the benefits of diverting people with drug and alcohol-related problems away from the criminal justice system where possible.
Recommendation 21 – recommendation is also given for the establishment of the Walama Court in the District Court of NSW. The Walama Court would involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in sentencing decisions and dialogue around the cause of offending and recidivism.
Recommendation 31 – the Committee recognises that the NSW Coroners Court needs adequate funding and resources to ensure that an inquest is completed in shorter lengths of time. The Committee recommends that additional resources and funding be allocated to the Coroners Court to allow it to effectively undertake its role.
Service delivery
Recommendation 6 – the Report highlights that in NSW, there are only nine beds dedicated to women coming out of prison, leading to high levels of homelessness. The Committee recommends that the number of post-release housing beds for First Nations women coming out of prison be urgently expanded to provide safe spaces for them and their children.
Recommendation 20 – the Committee highlights that there are currently not enough spaces at existing drug treatment centres and recommends that the NSW Government provide adequate funding and resources to ensure drug and alcohol rehabilitation services are available across NSW.
Recommendation 28 – the Report states that First Nations people with disability are often unrecognised and unsupported both when incarcerated and when released, leading to further incarceration rates. The Committee recommends that support for people with disabilities in custody and upon release is established through the collaboration of service providers such as the Corrective Services NSW, Youth Justice NSW, Housing NSW and Centrelink.
The full set of recommendations can be read here. The Government’s response to the final report is due by 15 October 2021.
Authors: Christine Jones & Ushna Bashir
Services Australia penalised for breaching privacy of a vulnerable customer
The Australian Information Commissioner has issued Services Australia with a notice to pay a customer AU$19,890 as atonement for breaching her privacy. The woman was in receipt of Centrelink benefits administered by the Department of Human Services, now Services Australia (22 April 2021). More...
Royal Commission to probe veterans’ deaths
A Royal Commission into the suicide of Defence and military veterans is to be established by the federal Government following consultation with State and Territory Governments. Crucially, the Royal Commission will not defer, delay or limit in any way, any proposed or announced policy, legislation or regulation that we are currently implementing (22 April 2021). More...
Comments invited on new Regulators’ guide
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has issued a new performance guide for Government regulators, inviting the public to comment. The guide outlines principles of best practice and supporting guidance to assist Commonwealth regulators to report on their performance against these principles (22 April 2021). More...
Statement on the release of the Victorian Review into Sexual Harassment in Victorian Courts and the Report of the Review of Sexual Harassment in the South Australian Legal Profession
The ABA recognises the devastating impact that sexual harassment can and does have, and has had, on victim-survivors, including causing them to leave the profession. The Australian reports released this week also undermines public confidence in the legal profession and the administration of justice (22 April 2021). More...
ACCC wins court case against Google
Chair of the ACCC, Rod Sims said that following the Commission’s world-first enforcement action, the Federal Court found Google had misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices (19 April 2021). More...
Parliamentary committee to review vilification and hate crime laws
The parliamentary Legal Affairs and Safety Committee has been asked to determine if they are operating effectively, if they are consistent with community expectations, and suitable to deal with modern day challenges (21 April 2021). More...
ACMA requests internet service providers to block more illegal gambling websites
The ACMA has requested that Australian internet service providers block more illegal offshore gambling websites. Following numerous complaints about these services, the ACMA undertook investigations which found them to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (21 April 2021). More...
Paul Miller PSM appointed NSW Ombudsman
Paul Miller PSM has been appointed NSW Ombudsman, after acting in the role since August 2020, the Special Minister of State Don Harwin has announced (16 April 2021). More...
NSW parliamentary report into Indigenous deaths in custody makes 39 recommendations
Indigenous leaders and families have called for change across the nation's justice system following the handing down of a NSW parliamentary report into First Nations deaths in custody (15 April 2021). More...
High Court determination settles right of entry permit requirement
The requirement for union officials to hold a valid federal right of entry permit when entering work sites under State or Territory OHS laws has been upheld following a High Court determination. The High Court on 8 April 2021 refused to allow the CFMMEU special leave to appeal a 2020 Full Federal Court decision (13 April 2021). More...
High Court Bulletin
The High Court Bulletin is compiled approximately once a month, from February to December after each Court sitting. View the High Court of Australia Bulletin [2021] HCAB 03 (16 April 2021). More...
Law Council Update
The Law Council produces a fortnighly newsletter which highlights the Law Council's important activities and advocacy. View the latest edition here (15 April 2021).
AAT Bulletin
The AAT Bulletin is a weekly publication containing a list of recent AAT decisions and information relating to appeals against AAT decisions
Issue No. 8/2021, 19 April 2021.
AHRC: Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces
The Commission will not be investigating nor making findings about individual allegations of bullying, sexual harassment or sexual assault as part of the Review. The Commission will report on its findings and recommendations in a report to be tabled in Parliament in November 2021. The Terms of Reference outline the scope of the Review in more detail here.
OAIC Consultation - IC review direction for applicants
21 April 2021 The closing date for comments is 12 May 2021. More...
OAIC consultation - the remaking of the Data Matching Guidelines
15 April 2021 More information will be available from the Consultation page when the public consultation commences. More...
OAIC: Independent review of the Credit Reporting Code
In April 2021, the Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner will tender for an independent review of the Privacy (Credit Reporting) Code 2014. This review is an opportunity to explore how the CR Code is operating in practice. More...
OAIC: Our FOI disclosure log
The information described in our disclosure log has been released by the OAIC under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act): Updated 12 April 2021. More...
Office of National Data Commission
16 April 2021 - 2021 Privacy Impact Assessment
To report on the privacy impact assessment of the Data Availability and Transparency Bill.
Public consultation - Rule 42 of the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules
The Law Council of Australia has released a Public Consultation Paper on a proposed revision to Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rule 42. The Law Council is inviting comments and submissions by 7 May 2021. More...
ANAO Consultations
Due to table: May 2021 Open for contribution Administration of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency The objective of this audit is to assess the effectiveness of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and its administration of the National Bushfire Recovery Fund.
Due to table: May, 2021 Open for contribution - Australian National University’s Governance and Control Frameworks - The objective of this audit is to examine the effectiveness of the Australian National University’s governance and control frameworks.
LSC: Regulation of litigation funding schemes
The Legal Services Council has amended the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 with effect from 22 August 2020 so the prohibitions in s 258(1) and (3) of the Legal Profession Uniform Law do not apply in relation to litigation funding schemes now regulated as managed investment schemes. The new rule will operate for 12 months to allow for consultation. See the Legal Services Council website for more.
Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee
Data Availability and Transparency Bill 2020 [Provisions] and Data Availability and Transparency (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020 [Provisions] report by Thursday, 29 April 2021
Operation and management of the Department of Parliamentary Services
On 22 February 2021, the reporting date was extended to 19 May 2021
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee
Judges’ Pensions Amendment (Pension Not Payable for Misconduct) Bill 2020.
On 18 March 2021, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 20 May 2021.
NSW
Statutory Review of majority verdicts amendments
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is reviewing the operation of the amendments made to the Jury Act 1977 by the Jury Amendment (Verdicts) Act 2006 to determine whether the policy objectives of those amendments remain valid and whether the terms of the amendments remain appropriate for securing those objectives. Submissions close on 14 May 2021. More...
Court of Appeal: 2020 Year in Review
The document will provide a valuable resource for judges, practitioners, litigants, academics and students, and that a similar document will be published on an annual as well as consolidated basis. The publication will be available on the Court of Appeal website and can be visited here (21 April 2021).
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The NSW Government believes that the NSW Government can use AI to benefit the community and is taking actions to ensure that AI is used safely, ethically and effectively. We have an AI Strategy (External link) that outlines our vision for the use of AI, and ensures transparency, fairness and accountability. Have your say to 31 December 2021. More...
Review of Model Defamation Provisions
Attorneys General is seeking feedback on a discussion paper for the Stage 2 Review of the Model Defamation Provisions. Have your say by 19 May 2021. More...
NSW Law Society: Applications open for the Access to Justice Innovation Fund
The $1 million fund from the State Government supports innovative ideas to improve or enhance access to justice in NSW. Grants of between $50,000 and $250,000 are available for low cost, high impact projects that make a difference for those who need it most. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by late May 2021. More...
Extension of strata and community lands COVID-19 Regulations
Regulations were published on 12 November 2020 which extend the COVID-19 measures as previously provided for strata and community lands to 13 May 2021. The measures include alternative means of holding meetings and execution of documents by an owners corporation or community association. See Community Land Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation (No 2) 2020 and Strata Schemes Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation (No 2) 2020.
Public inquiry into corruption allegation concerning former RMS employees
22 April 2021 - The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption will hold a public inquiry starting Monday 10 May 2021 as part of an investigation it is conducting concerning former Roads and Maritime Services employees Alexandre Dubois and Craig Steyn (Operation Paragon). More...
Composition of Australian Parliaments by party and gender: A quick guide
Anna Hough
Politics & Public Administration Section, APH: 16 April 2021
This quick guide contains the most recent tables showing the composition of Australian parliaments by party and gender (see Tables 1 and 2 below). It takes into account changes to the Commonwealth and state/territory parliaments since the last update was published on 2 December 2020. More...
Implementation of ANAO and Parliamentary Committee Recommendations — Department of Defence
ANAO: 12 April 2021
The audit made three recommendations directed at strengthening guidance, ensuring the implementation of recommendations was subject to periodic risk review and monitoring, and improving the clarity of responses. More...
Women, Peace and Security 2021-2031 Plan
Australian Government: Released 12 April 2021
The new National Action Plan identified four outcomes that would support coordinated action across Government. More...
Manly Fast Ferry Pty Ltd v Wehbe [2021] NSWCA 67
COURTS AND JUDGES – procedural fairness – judicial intervention – where expert witness conclave conducted via audio visual and audio link – whether excessive judicial questioning of experts – whether real danger that trial was unfair – whether the trial miscarried DAMAGES – assessment of damages in tort – personal injury – where respondent suffered injury to left knee when ferry collided with wharf – whether respondent suffered compensatory injury to right knee by favouring left – whether primary judge erred in awarding damages for injury to respondent’s right knee EVIDENCE – expert evidence – where competing medical evidence – whether primary judge substituted own medical opinion for that of the expert DAMAGES – assessment of damages in tort – personal injury – where respondent could no longer perform certain house maintenance tasks – where those tasks carried out by respondent’s brothers – whether primary judge erred in awarding respondent damages for commercial domestic assistance.
Public Service Association and Professional Officers’ Association Amalgamated Union of New South Wales v Industrial Relations Secretary of New South Wales [2021] NSWCA 64
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – jurisdictional error – challenge to determinations of Industrial Relations Commission – whether plaintiffs were denied procedural fairness – whether Commission failed to have regard to relevant consideration – whether Commission erred in placing onus on moving parties – whether decision was legally unreasonable.
EJE v Department of Communities and Justice [2021] NSWCATAD 96
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – privacy – alleged misuse of and holding of inaccurate personal and health information - HPP 9 – s6 PPIP Act and judicial functions – absence of evidence of holding the relevant information and breaches.
Shaw v Secretary, Department of Education [2021] NSWCATAD 95
HUMAN RIGHTS – discrimination – whether power to amend complaint under s 103 of Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) should be exercised.
DQF v NSW Department of Communities & Justice [2021] NSWCATAD 94
JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS The application for an external review is dismissed. NCAT registry officer used the applicant’s email address for the purpose of effecting service without his consent.
Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
Doyle’s Farm Produce Pty Ltd as trustee for Claredale Family Trust v Murray Darling Basin Authority [2021] NSWSC 369
NEGLIGENCE — duty of care — public authorities — statutory construction — whether the Murray Darling Basin Authority, its delegates or the Commonwealth is a “public or other authority” within the meaning of s 41 of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) CIVIL PROCEDURE — interlocutory proceedings — summary determination of the question of statutory construction — give effect to the overriding purpose of Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW), s 56 — need to read general statements in judgments by reference to the circumstances of the case CIVIL PROCEDURE — originating process — pleading discloses no reasonable defence — meaning of “no reasonable defence” — order to strike out part of a pleading under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), r 14.28 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW — Commonwealth and State relations — alleged inconsistency of laws — general principles – unnecessary to decide.
Miriani v Commissioner of Police [2021] NSWCATAD 93
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW. Government Information (Public Access) –- access applications - applications for administrative review - reviewable decision - deemed refusals - failure to comply with directions for filing and service of evidence - no explanation for delay - want of prosecution - summary dismissal
EJE v Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages [2021] NSWCATAD 92
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – administrative review - application under Part 5 of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1988 - application made out of time – no application for extension of time - application dismissed.
Wilmot v Commissioner for Fair Trading [2021] NSWCATOD 43
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – home building – application for contractor licence – whether applicant satisfied criterion in respondent’s policy of having experience in a wide range of building construction work – whether applicant satisfied criterion in respondent’s policy of having been supervised by the holder of a contractor licence when doing that work – whether applicant satisfied statutory criterion of having experience enabling him to do, or to supervise, the work for which a supervisor certificate is required – whether applicant is capable of doing or supervising work for which a supervisor certificate is required.
Commonwealth
Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014
18/04/2021 - Act No. 93 of 2014 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Regulatory Powers (Standardisation Reform) Act 2021 - Part 2—Monitoring; Part 3—Investigation; Part 4—Civil penalty provisions; Part 5—Infringement notices; Part 6—Enforceable undertakings; Expand Part 7—Injunctions.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Regulations 2021
19/04/2021 - These regulations amend the Electoral and Referendum Regulation 2016 to expand the electronically assisted voting methods, which are currently only available to blind and low vision voters, to Australians working in Antarctica. They also amend the Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020.
NSW
Regulations and other miscellaneous instruments
Child Protection (Working with Children) Amendment (COVID-19 Proof of Identity) Regulation 2021 (2021-179) — published LW 16 April 2021.
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this newsletter is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.
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