This is a moment that calls for leadership that builds trust, reinforces our shared bonds, and resists harmful and racist rhetoric that damages communities.
Read our full media release here: libertyvictoria.org.au/liberty-vict...
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These essential democratic rights must only be restricted where there is a good justification.
Given the absence of any connection between protests and Bondi’s horrendous antisemitic violence, the proposed laws are an unjustified intrusion on our rights.
5/6
These proposed police powers would fundamentally weaken our democracy. The right to protest is essential in a thriving democracy. The right to free speech and freedom of assembly are protected in Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights.
4/6
The atrocities at Bondi necessitate a response that will actually address the causes of violence and keep people safe.
Giving police the power to ban protest will not enhance community safety. There is no evidence of any link between any protest and the Bondi massacre.
3/6
The Bondi massacre has sent shockwaves through our community. It has caused immense grief and fear among the Jewish community, who should be free to practise their faith and culture without fear of violence.
2/6
Liberty Victoria strongly condemns yesterday’s announcement by the Allan Government that it plans to give Victoria Police the power to outlaw protest.
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We must let families grieve and respect their privacy. We must let investigations take place without speculation. And we must all come together as a community to stand against all forms of racism.
3/3
Antisemitism cannot be accepted and every member of the Jewish community has a right to be, and feel, safe. They should not be suffering this loss and fear.
2/3
We are horrified by what occurred yesterday in Bondi on the first day of Hanukkah. Every person must be free to practise their faith without violence or fear. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, friends and communities.
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This Bill should not be rushed through Parliament. It needs to be carefully and properly considered. It reflects a punitive and populist approach that ignores the best evidence as to how to make our community safer.
Read our full media release here: libertyvictoria.org.au/a-regressive...
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The amendments will not make Victorians safer. They will expose many more children to lengthy periods of detention and imprisonment. Because of the criminogenic effects of detaining children, this will make us all less safe in the long run.
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The Bill reflects a significant departure from the principles that have underpinned the Victorian youth justice system for decades.
The Government has admitted that the Bill is incompatible with the rights of children as protected by Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
4/6
The failure to consult with the legal community and civil society organisations is very disappointing.
3/6
Today, on 2 December 2025, the Justice Legislation Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2025 (the Bill) was introduced to Parliament. We understand that debate in the Bill will be guillotined at 5:00pm, when there will be a forced vote.
On 12 November 2025, the Allan Government announced that certain crimes allegedly committed by children aged between 14 and 17 will be subject to trial and potential sentencing in the County Court of Victoria, and that these crimes will also be subject to increased penalties.
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It does not make any of us safer in the long run. It is disappointing that the Government has decided to prioritise penal populism over the rights of children in the criminal justice system.
Read our full press release here: libertyvictoria.org.au/liberty-vict...
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Liberty Victoria denounces the Victorian Government’s proposal to allow children to be sentenced to life imprisonment for violent offences. Evidence shows that early and harsh incarceration increases re-offending, perpetuating cycles of trauma, violence and disadvantage.
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We're welcoming some fresh faces to our General Committee this year, and we're excited for the challenges ahead (including a State election on the horizon). You can read more about our work in our Annual Report, available here: libertyvictoria.org.au/wp-content/u...
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Thanks also to Dr Helen Durham AO for giving an inspiring (and optimistic!) talk on international humanitarian law. And thanks to Stary Norton Halphen - Criminal Law Specialists for hosting us.
2/3
Last night we held our AGM and we're pleased to announce that our new President is the wonderful Gemma Cafarella! It was also an opportunity to thank Michelle Bennett for her leadership over the past two years.
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Plestia embodies liberation, dignity, respect, equality and free speech for her people and all people.
Please join us to celebrate at the Voltaire Awards Dinner on November 14th, 2025. Book here: trybooking.com/DAMXD
9/9
At this time, when we are witnessing the extended conflict amounting to an attempted genocide of the Palestinian people, there is no one more deserving of this Award than Plestia who has stepped up for her people continues to speak for those who continue to suffer.
8/9
She has now documented those experiences in The Eyes of Gaza, a collection of journal entries from the first 45 days of the conflict. It is staggering to imagine those experience spiralling further and further into horror as the conflict has now continued for 2 years.
7/9
In November 2024, Plestia and her family moved to Melbourne on temporary visas.
Throughout the conflict, Plestia has spoken out eloquently about the attacks on journalists, with consideration and dignity in extraordinary circumstances.
6/9
Plestia began filming and sharing videos and photos online to show the world an inside view of what was happening in Gaza. Plestia was forced to flee Gaza due to fears for her safety and the safety of her family given the unprecedented killing of journalists.
5/9
Plestia is a 23 year old Palestinian journalist from Gaza who has been documenting the plausible genocide and alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza since the Israeli Government's response to the tragic 7 October attacks.
4/9
It celebrates those who speak out, write, campaign, whistle-blow, take action or a stand against authoritarianism.
3/9
The Sophie Trevitt Award is awarded to someone no older than 30 at the date of their nomination for an outstanding contribution to or action on free speech, human rights and/or civil liberties, with particular emphasis on progressing freedom, respect, equality and dignity.
2/9
This year’s winner of the Sophie Trevitt Human Rights Award is Plestia Alaqad.
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The politicisation of the bail system in Victoria has been a disgrace. It does us all a disservice. It makes us less safe.
Read our full media release here:https://libertyvictoria.org.au/liberty-victoria-media-release-on-bail/
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