Interview with Zimbabwean human rights lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa at the Australian Human Rights Centre's Annual Lecture. Interviewer: Professor Andrea Durbach, Director of the Australian Human Rights Centre. This event was proudly supported by the Rule of Law Institute of Australia. See the Australian Centre for Human Rights' website: http://www.ahrcentre.org/

Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law

Peter Bartlett, a partner at Minter Ellison Lawyers and legal advisor to Fairfax media, speaks about the danger to the public right to know now that the “rivers of gold” of media companies have dried up, and they no longer have the resources to challenge suppression orders being made.

Justice Open & Shut - Peter Bartlett

In this podcast, RoLIA CEO, Kate Burns, interviews the Shadow Attorney General for NSW, the Hon Paul Lynch, about he sees the role and any inherent tensions.

The “First Law Officer” in each state, territory and the federal government is the Attorney-General who has the role of principal legal advisor to the government and is responsible for the administration of justice. That role dates back to thirteenth century England, evolving over the years, to protect, preserve and promote the rule of law.

Traditionally this means that the Attorney-General should be “aloof” from politics, so he or she can give advice independent advice. However, since the Attorney-General is also an elected politician, this can create tensions in the role. In addition, pairing the role of the federal Attorney-General with oversight of national security and absorbing the position of Attorney General into the NSW Department of Police and Justice jeopardises the “independent aloofness” of the Attorney General.

What is the Proper Role of the Attorney General in Australia?

The Rule of Law Institute of Australia is an independent not-for-profit founded in 2009 to promote the rule of law in Australia.

Rule of Law Institute

Popular tracks