Legal and Activist News
Rule of law and individual freedoms under threat by govt Bill: NSW Bar Bar Association and comes, ‘without any prior consultation with appropriate legal professional bodies, law reform agencies or civil liberties organisations.’
Hans Lovejoy
The NSW National Party are again attempting to diminish civil liberties and increase police powers with broad and vague language in a new bill, entitled The Crimes (Serious Crime Prevention Orders) Bill 2016. Former police officer and National Party leader Troy Grant introduced the bill on March 22 and told parliament that it aims to echo ‘UK-style serious crime prevention orders to disrupt the activities of serious criminals’. While it’s yet to pass parliament, it’s already come under harsh criticism from the professional association for barristers, the NSW Bar Association. In its public submission, they claim its constitutional validity is ‘highly doubtful,’ saying, ‘This bill is a bad law for the reasons explained by Hayne and Kirby JJ in their separate dissenting reasons for judgment in Thomas v Mowbray (2007) 233 CLR 307 concerning federal control orders.’ The Bill would enable the
Former police officer and NSW Nationals Party leader Troy Grant
supreme court and the district court to make ‘serious crime prevention orders’, or SCPO, on the application of the police commissioner, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) or the NSW Crime Commission, ‘so as to prevent, restrict or disrupt involvement by certain persons in serious crime related activities’. Concerns were flagged over the ‘nature and scope of a SCPO’, which the bar consider ‘open-ended and without guidance to the kinds of orders which might be appropriate for “the purpose of protecting the public”. Such a law would have ‘profound implications for the liberties of the citizens of NSW,’ says the
Arbitrary, extreme and excessive The Bill appears similar in theme to the recently passed Inclosed Lands, Crimes and Law Enforcement Legislation Amendment (Interference) Bill 2016. That law aims to heavily fine and/or imprison
those that protest when ‘locking on’ to mining operations. The new Bill, say the Bar, is an ‘extraordinary and unprecedented piece of legislation with grave implications for the rule of law and individual freedoms in NSW.’ ‘The interference with fundamental human rights and freedoms is contrary to Australia’s international obligations’, they say, and, ‘The potential for interference in the liberties of citizens of NSW and their day to day lives is extreme.’
Global protest against coal planned May 4–15 Want to get involved in the fight against fossil fuels? ‘A global wave of mass actions’ is planned May 4 to 15 at the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle to target ‘the world’s most dangerous fossil fuel projects.’ Its aim, say Break Free organisers, is to ‘keep coal, oil and gas in the ground and accelerate the transition to 100
per cent renewable energy.’ Information sessions will be held in Mullumbimby and Nimbin, with the Mullum event being held at The Drill Hall on Monday April 25 from 5pm till 6.30pm. Contact Moira Williams on 0450 944 114 or Surya McEwen on 0431 179 434 or visit www.breakfree2016.org for more.
6 Lawson St Byron Bay NSW 2481 Call (02) 6685 6040 or book online nationaldentalcare.com.au Preferred Provider
SWIMMING POOL – CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE From 29 April 2016 all properties with a swimming pool or spa pool being sold or leased will need a valid certificate of compliance, or occupation certificate (not more than 3 years old), from Council or an independent accredited certifier. Contracts or leases for a strata or community scheme lot where the scheme comprises more than 2 lots will be exempt.
Sale Contracts
A Contract (except an off the plan contract) must contain:A valid certificate of compliance; or A relevant occupation certificate and evidence of registration of the pool; or A valid certificate of non-compliance. By attaching a certificate of non-compliance, the Vendor transfers the responsibility to obtain a certificate of compliance to the Purchaser, who will have 90 days from settlement to rectify the defects and obtain a certificate of compliance.
Residential Tenancy Agreement
At the time of entering into a residential tenancy agreement, landlords must provide the tenant with a valid certificate of compliance or a relevant occupation certificate.
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02 6639 1000
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Byron Bay
*New patients only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only valid at participating practices. Offer not available at DB Dental (WA). Prices may be subject to change. Offer valid for 12 months from 1 April 2016. If offer expires contact participating practice for reissue. For all Health Fund patients rebate only applies unless the rebate is less than the capped price of $179 where a gap is payable. Rebate may exceed the capped price and will be accepted as full payment on items billed. Welcome offer includes: comprehensive dental examination, clean and polish, x-rays (if required) and fluoride treatment. Clinical indications may necessitate deferral of the offer pending completion of treatment diagnosed in the best interest of the patient at standard practice fee level. Where this occurs, treatment that was included in the offer will be continued at a subsequent date when clinical indications are appropriate. CDBS Disclaimer: The total entitlement is capped at $1000 per child, over a two year period. For further information and to check if your child is eligible, please visit www.humanservices.gov.au Benefits will not be available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and will not be paid for any services provided in a hospital.
North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
The Byron Shire Echo April 20, 2016 9