We've put our submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights in relation to the committee’s inquiry into freedom of speech in Australia, outlining our view that current laws are adequately protecting artists.
Arts Law supports artists' freedom of expression – read our submission to the ALRC Freedoms Inquiry
Earlier this afternoon (28 August 2014) the first stage of reforms to the National Classification System passed the Senate.
The first stage of reforms to the National Classification System is finally here (just about)!
Our Executive Director Robyn Ayres spoke to Radio National Law Report about Freedom of Expression on the 22nd of October.
Minister for Home Affairs confirms introduction to Parliament of first stages of National Classification System reforms in 2013.
On 31 October 2012 Attorney-General Nicola Roxon announced a review of the effectiveness of the Federal Government's recent Freedom of Information law reforms.
Arts Law is a strong advocate for freedom of artistic and cultural expression and for legal reforms that create modern and functional safeguards protecting the right to such expression. Arts Law has made numerous submissions in response to reviews of the laws relating to artistic censorship and classification laws. Arts Law recognises the need to guard against strict censorship and classification laws which are unnecessarily restrictive and prevent freedom of artistic expression. On the other hand, Arts Law understands that freedom of expression must be balanced by appropriate safeguards for the protection of children and Indigenous culture and the constraints relating to defamation, copyright, trade practices and other laws. Arts Law advocates for a positive right to artistic expression subject to limits which are just and proportional, and which do not unfairly impede on the creation of legitimate art works. Arts Law takes the position that current debates on a proposed tort for the invasion of privacy, strict classification laws and strict regulation of digital technology must consider the possible disadvantages for freedom of artistic expression.
On 24 March 2011, Attorney-General Robert McClelland referred the National Classification Scheme to the ALRC and asked it to conduct widespread public consultation across the community and industry.
The Arts Law Centre of Australia (Arts Law) is pleased to comment on the Commonwealth Government’s Issues Paper, A Commonwealth Statutory Cause of Action for Serious Invasion of Privacy, (Issues Paper) released in response to the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC).