14 June 2019
Last week the Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 2016 which removed some of the existing rights a person had to obtain “sensitive information” about themselves held by officials under the Children and Young People Act 2008. This was done despite representations made by the Society that such a change should be considered as part of two current inquiries into the C&YP Act, and not pushed through as part of an “omnibus” bill normally reserved for minor and uncontroversial amendments.
This action, supported by the government and the Greens, but opposed by the opposition, has the effect of increasing the cloud of secrecy where vulnerable children should be better served by a system that is more open and accountable.
Next weekend there is a quarterly meeting of the Law Council of Australia in Darwin. One of the main agenda items is to consider some proposed amendments to the Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules. This is not of direct concern to those who practise only in the ACT, but may be of concern to those who also practise in NSW or Victoria. The rules have been under review for some time, and our Professional Standards Director has been involved in that review.
Our own rules are not automatically affected by any of these proposed changes as we have not joined the “Australian Legal Profession”, but we can take note of them, and if we consider appropriate can consult with our own members about whether we should also change any of our rules.
Chris Donohue President, ACT Law Society