Policing and detention
Media and commentary related to our work to provide critical oversight of NSW Police, prisons and youth detention centres, to protect human rights and ensure fair and lawful treatment.
-
2SER: Young People in Solitary Confinement
Our case in the NSW Supreme Court is challenging the use of solitary on young people, as solicitor Petra Franks explained.
-
New youth justice Bill doubles down on failing approach
A new Bill rushed into Parliament by the NSW Government ignores the expert advice of an Independent Review into doli incapax.
-
3CR: Racial Discrimination Challenge Against Bail Checks
The case raises serious concerns about the over-policing of Aboriginal people both in NSW and around Australia.
-
Yahoo News (AAP): ‘Disruptive’ bail checks left brothers scared of police
Our clients’ mother, Megan*, explained the impact of invasive police checks on her family.
-
NIT: After 150 visits in 20 months, Aboriginal brothers bring racial discrimination case against NSW Police
Senior Solicitor Grace Gooley explained why we believe the boys were targeted because they are Aboriginal.
-
Guardian: 150 police visits in 20 months: Indigenous mother takes action after her boys subjected to ‘relentless’ checks
We’re representing two Aboriginal brothers in a Racial Discrimination case against NSW Police.
-
Aboriginal brothers take racial discrimination case against NSW Police to the Federal Court
The boys were subject to more than 150 bail checks by police in 20 months. Statistical evidence shows Aboriginal people are more likely to be checked at home by police.
-
Guardian: Change to firearm prohibition orders in NSW a ‘sensible reform’, justice advocate says
Solicitor Lucy Kelley explained the importance of changes to Firearm Prohibition Orders that will allow children to challenge these orders in NCAT.
-
2SER: New expert legal advice to protect children
Lawyer Lucy Kelley explained why the Commonwealth Government has a responsibility to protect children from harmful laws.
-
ABC the World Today: Calls for federal intervention on youth justice
CEO Jonathon Hunyor and NATSILS CEO Karly Warner explained why the Commonwealth Government can and should take action to protect children.
-
Prime Minister has the power to ensure children are safe and protected. It’s time for action.
Advice obtained from Senior Counsel by the JEC makes clear that the Commonwealth has the Constitutional power to act on youth justice reform.
-
2SER: Crime stats show more kids are being locked up
JEC Solicitor Kate Sinclair joined 2SER to explain why locking up kids isn’t working.
-
ABC NSW Drive: Jonathon Hunyor on failures of imprisoning children
Our CEO told ABC NSW Drive the NSW Government must stop locking up children and invest in communities instead.
-
NIT: Aboriginal Legal Service calls NSW youth detention surge a ‘wake-up call’
We joined ALS in calling out the failure of the NSW Government’s law and order approach to community safety.
-
New youth detention stats show failure of law and order response
BOCSAR data for the June 2025 quarter shows the NSW Government’s law and order response is failing.
-
The Guardian: Does a NSW police anti-firearm scheme go too far?
Principal Solicitor Jonathan Hall Spence expressed concerns over the high numbers of Aboriginal people being subject to a little known police search power.
-
NIT: Legal and community experts warn NSW Opposition bill to put more children in prison will increase crime
We joined an alliance of legal and community experts saying a Coalition bill calling for tougher child bail laws will backfire and increase crime.
-
SMH: Why police can’t prove children like Harry committed serious crimes
Our CEO Jonathon Hunyor explained to the SMH why the NSW review into doli incapax is a distraction from the real issues.
-
NITV: ACT chooses ‘care over cruelty’ by raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14
JEC CEO Jonathon Hunyor explained why the ACT Government have made the right decision for kids and communities.
-
NIT: Aboriginal children routinely over-policed under NSW bail checks, legal group says
New research suggests ‘discriminatory patterns’ in how often NSW Police check on Aboriginal young people while they’re on bail.
-
ABC News: Indigenous family takes NSW Police to Human Rights Commission, claiming racial discrimination
The JEC is representing an Aboriginal family at the Australian Human Rights Commission after more than 150 ‘bail checks’ in less than two years.
-
Data reveals police bail checks are targeting Aboriginal children, racial discrimination complaints filed
The JEC is representing two Aboriginal brothers in a racial discrimination complaint after they were subjected to more than 150 checks at their home over 20 months.
-
2SER: Police use of extraordinary search power raises alarm bells
Solicitor Lucy Kelley spoke about how police are using a secretive search power to surveil already overpoliced communities.
-
LSJ: Unpacking the LECC’s findings on police bail checks
Kate Sinclair’s explainer article unpacks the recommendations from the LECC’s report on police bail checks.
-
The Guardian: NSW police’s ‘extraordinary’ search powers a ‘blank cheque’ to target Indigenous youth, lawyers say
Jonathan Hall Spence highlighted how police are using firearms protection orders to target over-policed communities.
-
The Land: Community calls for ‘milo’ funds as review into youth crime protections begins
CEO Jonathon Hunyor said tough-on-crime approaches are letting down children and communities.
-
2SER: Police in Firing Line Over Unauthorised Bail Checks
Senior Solicitor Grace Gooley broke down a new report saying NSW Police must follow the law when they perform bail checks.
-
Police watchdog calls on police to stop unauthorised bail compliance checks
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has recommended police only conduct bail compliance checks with a court order.
-
The Newcastle Herald: Criminalising children a costly investment in failure
Our CEO, Jonathon Hunyor, explained why we need to ‘get real’ about the failure of law and order approaches to youth justice.
-
AAP: Premier claims credit for higher jail rate
CEO Jonathon Hunyor responded to NSW Premier Minns claiming credit for higher numbers of people in jail and on remand.