In the media
ASIO warns on social media spies
A new security campaign designed by the Australian
Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has been
launched to raise awareness of the threat of malicious social media
users, with the campaign Think Before You Link (19
November 2020).
More...
OAIC keeps tabs on COVIDSafe privacy
The OAIC is auditing the handling of personal and private
information by COVIDSafe. The Australian Information Commissioner
and Privacy Commissioner, said the OAIC audit will look for
compliance with the strict protections the Government put in place,
with its first report due by the end of this year (19 November
2020).
More...
Nine News breached privacy rules by disclosing police
addresses: ACMA
Channel Nine News has been found to have breached
broadcasting privacy rules by the Australian Communications and
Media Authority (ACMA) in multiple broadcasts
dating back to October 2019 (19 November 2020).
More...
Public views sought for Digital Identity
The Australian public is to be asked its views on proposed
legislation supporting and strengthening an expanded Digital
Identity system in Australia. In a statement, DTA said the Digital
Identity legislation sought to further enhance existing privacy and
consumer safeguards and establish permanent governance arrangements
(19 November 2020).
More...
IBAC dismisses allegation of Vatican funds in Pell
case
IBAC confirms it received information based on media
reports which alleged Vatican funds were transferred to individuals
in support of the recent case against George Pell. IBAC has
reviewed the information and found the threshold to commence
inquiries or an investigation was not met (11 November 2020).
More...
In practice and courts
Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) consultation: The
Digital Identity Legislation Consultation Paper
The paper outlines key issues surrounding the development
of the legislation and poses specific questions about its design,
scope and content. The closing date for submissions is 18 December
and readers interested in making a submission can access the
Digital Identity Consultation Page on this PS
News link.
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. 28/2020, 16 November 2020
Office of the National Data Commissioner: Exposure draft
open for comment
We are seeking
submissions on the exposure draft of the Data
Availability and Transparency Bill and explanatory materials,
and an Accreditation
Framework discussion paper. Submissions are open between 14
September and 6 November 2020. More...
Victoria
County Court of Victoria - revised Recommencement of
Melbourne Jury Trials Guide
On 11 November, the County Court released a revised
version of the Recommencement of Melbourne Jury Trials Guide. The
revised version: Clarifies the empanelment process for a
legacy/non-upgraded courtroom, and amends the rapid testing
protocol sections to emphasise this is a voluntary process. The
revised Guide is available on the Court's website
here.
Electronic document lodgement is coming soon to the
Magistrates' Court of Victoria and the Children's Court of
Victoria
Electronic document lodgement, known as eDocs, is being
implemented at both Courts across Victoria from November through to
January 2021. This is a preliminary first step being introduced as
part of a broader new case management system that will be rolled
out over the next few years. In the meantime, if you have any
questions, view the Frequently Asked Questions
here.
DHHS: General information
Victoria has plans in place to manage and control the
risks of infectious diseases like coronavirus (COVID-19) and these
plans are being reviewed and amended as information emerges. The
Court will continue to update advice and information as we receive
it. For further information and guidance, please visit the DHHS page.
Legal Services Council Newsletter: Special edition
On 12 October 2020, the Legal Services Council issued a
special edition of its newsletter. The newsletter is available
here.
COVID: Magistrates' Court of Victoria
On 26 October, the Court issued an updated version of
Practice Direction 9 – Diversion on the Papers, which relates
to diversion hearings on the papers in the Court during COVID-19.
The updated Practice Direction is available on the Court's
website
here. Also, the Chief Magistrate has extended the Modified
Access and Procedure Order (MAP) until 25 April 2021 pursuant to
section 33D of the Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic). A copy of the MAP is
available on the Court's website
here.
COVID Update: Supreme Court and County Court of
Victoria
The Courts announced that a limited number of
Melbourne-based criminal jury trials are planned to resume in a
measured way from 16 November 2020 – the announcement is
here. The Courts have also produced Q&As about the
resumption of criminal jury trials, which are available on the
Supreme Court website
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
The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee is accepting
submissions to its Inquiry into the Victorian Government's
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions are open until 30
November 2020. More...
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 22 (fortnight ending 20 November
2020).
Published – articles, papers, reports
Planning for the 2021 Census
ANAO Report no 16: 19 November 2020
The objective of this audit was to assess whether the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is effectively preparing for the 2021
Census.
More...
Performance measurement and monitoring —
developing performance measures and tracking progress
ANAO: 11 November 2020
This edition of audit insights summarises key messages from a
series of ANAO performance audits assessing performance evaluation
frameworks and success measures. It discusses the importance of
both in keeping entities accountable and their performance
transparent.
More...
Legislation
Victoria
Date of commencement: 18 November 2020
Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other
Matters) Act 2020 (Vic)
Parts 1 – 4, Parts 6 – 10 of this Act came in by forced
commencement on 18 November 2020 s. 2(1)
Act Number: 35/2020
Date of assent: 17 November 2020
Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other
Matters) Act 2020 (Vic)
Act Number: 35/2020
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.