News — Queensland Council for Civil Liberties

Proposed Social Media (Anti Trolling) Bill

The social media platform is simply the provider of a space, a forum, in which people make contributions. They are not like for example the editor of a newspaper- controllers of what content goes on their sites.

Media releaseQueensland Council for Civil Liberties24 January 2022Free speech, Privacy

Submission in relation to Social Media (Anti Trolling) Bill

The Internet is the new public square. So much of public debate, discussion and exchange of information now takes place on the Internet. On that basis, the doctrines of freedom of speech must be applied to the Internet.The rights of speakers on the Internet need to be protected. Another fundamental aspect of the right to freedom of speech is the right to do so anonymously. History is replete with examples of people having exercised their right of speech then being subject to reprisals by government or individuals

SubmissionQueensland Council for Civil Liberties21 January 2022Free speech, Privacy

Premier cannot Rule by Press Release

“The Premier cannot make law by press release. It is entirely inappropriate that almost 2 weeks out from these complex rules coming into place, businesses and individuals in this State cannot plan properly for the new laws” says QCCL President Michael Cope

Media releaseQueensland Council for Civil Liberties2 December 2021Privacy, Covid19

QCCL opposes privatisation of police data management system

Mr Murray also said that the foreshadowed integration “between QPRIME and Qld Health seems like a complete disaster waiting to happen”

Media releaseQueensland Council for Civil Liberties23 July 2021Privacy, Police

QCCL Opposes Extension of use of COVID Check in App

QCCL strongly opposes the use of information gathered for health purposes for law enforcement or any other additional purpose, the use of the Checkin App should not be made mandatory for access to more places until this legislation is passed” says Mr Cope.

Media releaseQueensland Council for Civil Liberties21 June 2021Privacy, Covid19

Submission to Transport and Resources committee concerning Engine Immobiliser Technology

the first question that must be addressed is whether the technology is actually going to reduce harm caused by police chases. The chase must presumably have to start. There must still have to be a police policy dealing with the circumstances in which chases will be commenced, even if they are intended to be relatively short because this technology will be available.

Overseas discussions of this issue make reference to avoiding problems with other vehicles by implementing technology in all cars which enables each car to react to the presence of another vehicle.

This then brings us to serious other issues connected with this type of technology. Those issues relate to the fundamental rights of privacy and freedom of movement.

SubmissionQueensland Council for Civil Liberties16 April 2021Privacy, police powers

COVID-19 & Automatic Number Plate Recognition - More Mass Surveillance

The QCCL has written to the Commissioner of Police asking for comment in relation to reports that police are using ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition Technology) to charge people with breaching the Home Confinement Direction by travelling more than 50km from their home.

COVID-Safe App Continues to Raise Issues

The federal government’s announcements in relation to the Covidsafe App contain a number of good features. However, fundamental issues of concern remain.

COVID-19 App Raises Privacy Concerns

The QCCL today expressed its concern about the apparent decision by the government to ask Australians to use the Singaporean “Trace Together“ COVID-19 tracking app, which will not adequately protect the privacy of Australians.

Queensland Campaign Finance Law Reform 2019 Bill

Restrictions on electoral expenditure are akin to the rules of debate in a meeting which restrict the length of speeches and provide for rights of reply. This feature of expenditure caps makes them more acceptable than donation bans or caps.

2017 Independent Intelligence Review.

It is extremely alarming that some parts of our government seem to think they should be protected from scrutiny by the elected representatives of the people of the country. This is an anathema to any Democrat.

Publication of allegations of corrupt conduct made to the CMC

The right to free speech and the right to a fair trial are two of the most cherished values in a civilised society. However, they can and do come into conflict. Traditionally under our legal system this conflict has been resolved by effectively prohibiting the disclosure of allegations against a person until they have reached a stage where there is sufficient evidence to support a charge. At that point limited publicity is permitted. And then full publicity occurs at the time of trial. We support that traditional arrangement. Two reasons are traditionally given for this approach. The first is to protect the reputation of persons. Secondly to protect their right to a fair trial.

Proposals to finger print school children

In the end, whilst we acknowledge that there may be certain efficiency benefits to your proposal we do not consider that those efficiency benefits outweigh the risks that flow from the collection of this permanent piece of private data about a person.

LettersQueensland Council for Civil Liberties18 February 2010youth and the law, Privacy, Surveillance

Police Called Upon to Drop Charges Against Nudist

The Council takes the view that nude beaches should be permitted so long as they are in secluded areas and are known and clearly marked as nude beaches. If necessary, the State Government or relevant local councils should take steps to designate nude beaches and to mark and publicise them appropriatel

Protection Against Intimate Covert Filming Supported

The Queensland Council for Civil Liberties today welcomes the decision of the Queensland Government to introduce legislation outlawing the covert filming of people in private places engaged in intimate acts.

Public Consultation – Security Camera Systems in Queensland Taxis

The Queensland Council for Civil Liberties endorses the view of Mr Alan Borvoy, General Counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association that ‘Citizens in a free country should have a presumptive right to get lost. We should be able to wander around without government keeping tabs on us.’

SubmissionQueensland Council for Civil Liberties12 August 2005Privacy, Surveillance

National Identity Card

Politicians and bureaucrats are participating in a cruel hoax by using recent terrorist outrages to justify the need for a National Identity Card, which will not stop terrorists but will bring us a big step closer to George Orwell’s 1984.