2024 State Election Call to Parties: Critical legal reforms needed in Queensland
The Queensland Law Society has released its 2024 Call to Parties, urging all political parties to commit to critical law reforms that enhance justice, protect vulnerable people and support solicitors across the state.
“Currently, underfunded legal assistance services are turning away our most vulnerable. Some women and children fleeing violence need more support, and rural communities are struggling to access basic legal services. These issues require immediate attention,” QLS President Rebecca Fogerty said.
“Queensland needs elected representatives who are committed to evidence-based legislation that upholds human rights.”
The Call to Parties outlines 115 calls spanning 18 different areas, including:
Combating elder abuse
“We’re calling on political parties to commit to a whole-of-government strategy to respond to elder abuse, focusing on prevention, education, training, collaborative frameworks, interventions, responses, and redress.
“A significant number of older Queenslanders experience abuse and urgent action is needed. The Royal Commission into Aged Care highlighted substandard care and severe underfunding. As the population of Australians aged 65+ doubles over the next 25 years, a culture of openness and accountability is necessary to prevent abuse,” President Fogerty said.
Property Law reform education needed
The changes to the Property Law Act 2023, including the seller disclosure framework, will impact many Queenslanders.
“QLS is calling for a public awareness program and the development of a government database for seller disclosure information, that will ensure buyers and sellers understand their responsibilities and can access consistent information across Queensland, such as flooding data.”
“The seller disclosure framework has the potential to significantly improve the property sale process in Queensland, but its rollout must be coupled with appropriate education, support and resources for the community to understand what is expected of them,” President Fogerty said.
Recruitment incentives for solicitors in rural, regional and remote areas
“Without adequate legal services in rural, regional and remote areas, we are failing these communities and denying them essential access to important legal services and support.
“QLS is calling for a graduate solicitor program to support recruitment in RRR areas, investment in regional law scholarships, and greater benefits for RRR solicitors to recruit and retain local talent.
“Currently, solicitors in RRR locations experience disparity in remuneration, employment conditions and workload, compared to those in urban centres. Attracting and retaining solicitors in these communities is a significant challenge that requires innovative solutions,” President Fogerty said.
Protecting the privacy of children’s online data and personal information
A recent study found 62% of Australians worry about their online privacy, and 90% want stronger protections.
“Robust privacy protections and education initiatives are essential in the digital age. Children are especially vulnerable to privacy impacts from technology and the long-term implications of the collection of their personal information,” President Fogerty said.
QLS is calling on political parties to commit to funding education initiatives to promote the protection of children’s online data and person information, an increase in funding for the Office of the Information Commissioner to support responses to data breaches, and transparency around the commercialisation of government datasets, including public facing guidelines and oversight mechanisms.
“QLS has always advocated for good law, good lawyers and serving the public good. It’s essential we hold political parties accountable this election, to improve outcomes for all Queenslanders,” President Fogerty said.
You can read the Call to Parties document here.