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Justice bus to bridge legal access gaps
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Monash University has launched the Justice Bus program to provide free legal education and support to regional and remote communities across Victoria. Staffed by Monash Law students and supervised by experienced legal practitioners, the initiative aims to bridge legal access gaps and offer practical experience for students. The Justice Bus will visit key regional locations and collaborate with local high schools to provide legal education sessions, increasing awareness of legal rights.
This initiative is part of Monash University's commitment to social justice and community service, fostering a deeper understanding of regional legal needs.
Gukwonderuk researcher appointed to historic Victorian Treaty Authority
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Dr Petah Atkinson, a researcher from the Gukwonderuk Indigenous Health Unit and Monash alumna, has been appointed as one of the inaugural members of the First People's Assembly Treaty Authority in Victoria. This historic body, the first of its kind in Australia, will oversee the Treaty negotiations, ensuring they are fair and uphold Aboriginal Lore, Law, and cultural authority.
Dr Atkinson, a Yorta Yorta woman with extensive experience in Aboriginal health, brings valuable expertise to the role, contributing to the legal recognition and rightful stakeholder positioning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians.
Australian agencies unite for intensive training to combat child sexual abuse
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During Child Protection Week 2024, Australian law enforcement agencies participated in an intensive training program to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The training, supported by ICMEC Australia, AiLECS Lab at Monash University, Queensland Police Service's Argos Unit, and Child Rescue Coalition, focused on equipping officers with the latest tools and techniques. Associate Professor Campbell Wilson from AiLECS Lab highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, academic institutions, and child protection organizations in developing innovative solutions to combat CSAM.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of Australian law enforcement in protecting children.
Promoting inclusive decision-making and democratic engagement
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In 2024 Monash University championed youth engagement and democratic activism by contributing to Australia's national youth strategy and hosting a series of events in Malaysia focused on art and advocacy:
Monash alumnus spearheads innovative prison newspaper
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Joseph Friedman, a Monash Law alumnus, has created Australia's first national prison newspaper, About Time, which serves as a platform for incarcerated individuals to express themselves, stay informed, and connect with the outside world.
Inspired by a UK-based prison newspaper, Inside Time, Joseph's initiative aims to provide a voice that transcends prison walls and covers topics such as legal rights, rehabilitation programs, and personal stories.
The newspaper has gained approval in several Australian jurisdictions and plans to expand into a multimedia platform, including a radio station accessible to incarcerated people.
Monash exhibition explores 500 years of Ukrainian print history
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Monash University Library, in collaboration with Monash multimedia design students and Ukrainian studies scholar Emeritus Professor Marko Pavlyshyn, has developed an immersive exhibition titled 'Hoping Against Hope' at the Matheson Gallery, Clayton campus. The exhibition explores 500 years of Ukrainian print history, highlighting the themes of resistance, resilience, and hope amidst adversity.
It features animated poetry by Serhiy Zhadan, with readings by Nick Cave, and showcases rare texts and interactive displays. The exhibition aims to deepen understanding of Ukrainian culture and geopolitical issues.
Advocating for Human Rights
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Monash University, through the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law and the Monash Law Faculty, hosted the 23rd Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference, focusing on human rights issues such as First Nations rights and children's rights in out-of-home care. The conference emphasised systemic reforms to uphold human rights.
Additionally, Monash Law researchers contributed to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights' report, advocating for an Australian Human Rights Act, highlighting the importance of evidence-based policymaking.
Advancing political leadership in Australia and Indonesia
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Monash University is advancing political leadership and strengthening democracy in Australia and Indonesia through strategic partnerships and educational programs:
Monash Law Clinics: Enhancing Legal Access and Student Experience
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Monash Law Clinics provide students with hands-on legal experience, while improving access to justice in regional Victoria and promoting equality in legal services:
Handbook on Universal Jurisdiction
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Monash Law Clinics, in collaboration with PhD students, produced the Handbook on Universal Jurisdiction to hold the Taliban accountable for international crimes. The initiative, supported by the Ham Diley Campaign, was founded by Monash Law PhD student Karin Frodé and University of Melbourne PhD student Azadah Raz Mohammad.
The Handbook was launched in Melbourne, and highlights the importance of universal jurisdiction in prosecuting international crimes, and advocating for accountability and justice for Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Support Clinic, established with support from the Monash Law Clinics, played a crucial role in the Handbook's development, involving over 30 students in its activities.
Insights on hate speech monitoring and online polarisation
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Dr Ika Idris and Dr Derry Wijaya from Monash Indonesia, co-directors of the Monash Data Democracy Research Hub, participated in a PowerTalk session on 'Hate Speech Monitoring & Online Polarisation' following a surge in hate speech incidents on social media in Indonesia. The session addressed the challenges of misinformation, the psychological aspects of online polarisation, and advancements in technology for detecting hate speech.
The event emphasised the collective responsibility of tech companies, media, academia, and users in fostering a more informed digital environment, inspiring students across disciplines.
Primer on the role of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
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The Monash Law Fiat Justitia 2024 lecture, delivered by the Hon Christopher Jessup KC, Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, highlighted the role of the Inspector-General in overseeing intelligence agencies to ensure compliance with the law and propriety.
The event, held at the Law Faculty, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Law School and emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in intelligence operations, contributing to the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions.