In the media
National Emergency Declaration Bill
The Australian Government will be better able to respond
to major emergencies through a new legislated framework for
declaring national emergencies (03 December 2020). More...
Let's not rush important Bills through
Parliament
The Law Council of Australia is calling on the government
to give key stakeholders and the Parliament time to scrutinize the
Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill
2020. A close inspection of the stated operational case, the
criteria, thresholds and process for the issuance of warrants, and
the arrangements for independent oversight and review is needed (03
December 2020). More...
New rules to detect, trace and block scam calls
The ACMA has registered new rules that require telcos to
detect, trace and block scam calls. The Reducing Scam Calls Code,
developed by the telco industry, was a direct recommendation of the
ACMA's Combating Scams Action Plan (02 December 2020). More...
COVIDSafe app captures closer contacts
The Digital Transformation Agency has released an update
to the COVIDSafe app to improve Bluetooth communication across a
wide range of mobile devices (30 November 2020). More...
APSC serves up the State of the Service
The Australian Public Service Commission
(APSC) has released the findings from its latest
and 23rd State of the Service survey revealing the APS has adapted
to significant change and barriers arising over the past 12 months
(30 November 2020). More...
Publication of the final report of the Royal Commission
into the Management of Police Informants
The Australian Bar Association welcomes the publication of
the Final Report of the Royal Commission into the Management of
Police Informants (30 November 2020). More...
Independent National Security Legislation Monitor
appointed
Attorney-General Christian Porter announced the
substantive appointment of Mr Grant Donaldson SC as Australia's
fourth Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (27
November 2020). More...
Fraud centre comes clean on new guide
The Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre has published
a new guide for Fraud Control Officers
giving them a better understanding of the fraud risk assessment
process and how it can benefit their organisations (24 November
2020). More...
Training on track for APS and Ministers staff
The Australian Public Service Commission has announced it
is developing guidance and training to increase understanding about
the roles played by Ministerial offices and those played by the
Australian Public Service (APS) (24 November
2020). More...
Government to act on all recommendations of Royal
Commission into the Management of Police Informants
The Andrews Labor Government welcomes the Final Report of
the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants
released and remains committed to implementing all recommendations
(30 November 2020). More...
Royal Commission provides a roadmap for criminal justice
reform and the legal profession
The Royal Commission into the Management of Police
Informants provides a roadmap to reform the criminal justice system
and restore public confidence in the legal profession, according to
the Law Institute of Victoria (30 November 2020). More...
Massive boost for court capacity
The Victorians Budget 2020/21 delivers major investments
in new courts and court systems - to provide a strong, efficient,
cutting-edge justice system that allows matters to be heard
remotely and safely (24 November 2020). More...
In practice and courts
AAT Bulletin
The AAT Bulletin is a weekly publication containing a list
of recent AAT decisions and information relating to appeals against
AAT decisions, including immigration and citizenship.
Issue No. 29/2020, 30 November 2020
Commonwealth Integrity Commission: Consultation
draft
The Australian Government has released an exposure draft
of legislation to establish the new Commonwealth Integrity
Commission (CIC) and make other consequences
legislative amendments. A fact sheet about the key features of the
CIC has also been released. The consultation page includes links to the
draft legislation and further information about other issues under
consideration. Closing date 12 February 2021.
OAIC consultation: Requirements to collect personal
information for contact tracing purposes
The OAIC and state and territory privacy regulators have
produced the following draft guidelines to support a nationally
consistent approach to requirements for businesses and venues to
collect contact information. The closing date for comments is 4
December 2020. More...
Victoria
County Court of Victoria
On 24 November, the County Court Criminal Division
published issued its latest newsletter, which is available here. The Court's
sitting dates for 2020-2021 are available here.
Inquiry into the Victorian Government's COVID-19
contact tracing system and testing regime - have your say
The Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues
Committee is accepting submissions to its Inquiry into the
Victorian Government's COVID-19 contact tracing system and
testing regime. Information about this inquiry will be posted in
the tabs above as it becomes available (November 2020). More...
Inquiry into the Victorian Government's response to
the COVID-19 pandemic - have your say
A third round of COVID-19 Inquiry hearings will be
held concurrently with the 2020-21 Budget Estimates
Inquiry hearings in November and December 2020. See
the schedule here for the COVID-19 Inquiry
and 2020-21 Budget Estimates Inquiry hearings.
Law Library of Victoria
Fortnightly bulletin that summarises the latest
legislation and cases for the Victorian jurisdiction, as well as
High Court of Australia cases. Download the Law Library Bulletin No
23 (fortnight ending 4 December 2020).
Published - articles, papers, reports
Australian Institute of Judicial Administration (AJIA)
newsletter
The AIJA produces a regular newsletter, the most recent of
which is available to read here.
Legislation
Commonwealth
Bills
Australia's Foreign Relations (State
and Territory Arrangements) Bill 2020
Finally passed both Houses 03 Dec 2020
Introduced with the Australia's Foreign Relations (State and
Territory Arrangements) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020, the
bill establishes a legislative scheme for Commonwealth engagement
with arrangements between State or Territory governments and
foreign governments, and their associated entities.
Regulations
Commonwealth Procurement
Rules
02/112020 - The updated Commonwealth Procurement Rules reflect the
Australian Government's commitment to sustainable procurement
practices; emphasise the importance of paying suppliers on time,
particularly small businesses; and includes a new Appendix A
exemption that allows for the direct engagement of a Small and
Medium Enterprise for procurements up to $200,000.
This update also includes a number of minor amendments comprising:
Acknowledgment of the Australian Governments reporting obligations
under the Modern Slavery Act 2018
Victorian legislation can be accessed here www.legislation.vic.gov.au
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.