The Victorian Legal Services Board has requested that Nicola Gobbo be removed from the roll of practitioners as soon as possible given the substantial public interest around her informing against her own clients. The whole saga has been a constant over 2020 (and most of 2019) so we’re happy to see this particular part of the story wrapped up. 

2: LCA offers support to Bernard Collaery

The Law Council of Australia president Pauline Wright has pledged support for former ACT attorney-general Bernard Collaery, noting that the closed-door proceedings he is currently sitting before offend the principles of justice. This case is worth a follow, right as public faith in the administration of justice takes a bit of a hit following the above. If you want to hear from him, check out our recent podcast with Mr Collaery. 

3: Budget 2020: Lawyers react to Frydenberg delivery

Members of the legal profession – from the Law Council of Australia, the Governance Institute of Australia and the Australian Lawyers Alliance – have spoken out about the 2020-21 federal budget, with some pleased and others believing it didn’t go far. 

4: SA and WA on track to allowing all Australian women reproductive freedom

The Human Rights Law Centre has welcomed “historic” and “important steps” from the Western Australian and South Australian governments in bringing their laws on access to reproductive healthcare in line with the rest of Australia. Finally. 

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5: Law reform could welcome specialist courts, end to jury in sexual harm trials

Victoria’s Law Reform Commission has posed a number of questions to the profession on whether the courts should be updated to better manage sexual harm offences. The commission has published eight short issue papers to inquire whether the courts could be amended to better support the victims of sexual harm throughout the legal process.

6: The other pandemic: Sexual harassment and bullying in law

“Despite a repeated recognition of the pervasive nature of the legal profession, sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination persists and remains grossly under-reported,” write Penny Thew and Kylie Nomchong in this opinion piece for Lawyers Weekly. It’s a must-read for everyone in the profession to take a hard look at the culture it created. 

7: Sexual harassment review now open to submissions

Following up on the above, an independent review into how Victoria’s courts can better address and respond to sexual harassment experiences has opened submissions. For anyone who has experienced any inappropriate behaviour in the courts, this review is highly important and could really shape the way the profession responds in future. 

8: Body found in search of missing Judge Guy Andrew

Five days after he went missing, Queensland Police discovered the body of Brisbane’s Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew in western Brisbane bushland. We would like to offer our condolences to Judge Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues who worked with him and urge anyone that needs support to call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

9: Daniel Andrews backs down on controversial detention power bill

The Andrews government will abandon measures of detention powers and a tightened restrictions plan in a controversial bill. The controversial changes allowed appointment of unspecified authorised officers with powers to detain people on “reasonable beliefs” that they were not complying with public health directions. 

10: Lawyer charged with fraud, supplying dangerous drug offences

A Queensland lawyer has been served with a notice to appear in court to face charges of fraud, money laundering and supplying dangerous drugs. Lawyers Weekly will have coverage on this unfolding story as it happens so make sure to stay updated!