Residential tenants will be well served if the Queensland Government proceeds with current recommendations on tenancy laws which take positive steps towards safer and more equitable rental housing for Queenslanders. The removal of the option for landlords to end tenancies without reason would help to protect children and families in residential tenancies from instability and financial stress. Proposed … Continue reading Positive steps for tenants in proposed reforms
People living in poverty need to be able to recover belongings
For Queenslanders who live on the margins of significant poverty making a home for themselves can be a significant and ongoing challenge. Lack of legal remedies to assist with the recovery of wrongfully withheld possessions, which are not of value in a commercial sense, is part of the difficulty in maintaining a sense of home for … Continue reading People living in poverty need to be able to recover belongings
Caxton Legal Centre’s highlights for the year
As the year draws to an end it’s an opportune time to reflect on the achievements of Caxton Legal Centre. Chief Executive Officer Cybele Koning’s words from our forthcoming Annual Report describe some of the highlights... This year, while continuing to deliver legal services integrated with social work support across our core areas, we experienced unprecedented growth with … Continue reading Caxton Legal Centre’s highlights for the year
Valentina – starting afresh after a lengthy and abusive marriage
When someone is affected by domestic violence, it can be difficult to access all the supports needed to start afresh, especially when they have been in a long marriage, are from a non-English speaking background and are socially isolated. Specialist supports are required to pull together all the help needed. Valentina experienced extensive physical, sexual … Continue reading Valentina – starting afresh after a lengthy and abusive marriage
Translated elder abuse resources now available
Caxton Legal Centre has recently produced several elder abuse fact sheets translated into languages other than English. The resources have been translated into Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Serbian and Tagalog. The World Health Organisation estimates that prevalence of elder abuse is between 2% - 14% in high- or middle-income countries. Social … Continue reading Translated elder abuse resources now available
Statements on the passing of Aboriginal leader Sam Watson
Artwork: Jyi Lawton A Murri can't have grown up in Brisbane without acknowledging they knew or knew of Uncle Sam Watson. For many years Sam carried the torch for community whilst working for organisations to be a shield against inequality, unfairness and racism. He featured highly in media reports and was sought out by the … Continue reading Statements on the passing of Aboriginal leader Sam Watson
Coronial Investigations in Queensland: (Counter)-Therapeutic Effects
The Coronial Assistance Legal Service is operated by Caxton Legal Centre and Townsville Community Legal Service. The service is funded by the Department of Justice and Attorney General to provide legal advice and representation to bereaved families in contact with the Coronial system. In November 2019 Caxton Legal Centre hosted a panel discussion on … Continue reading Coronial Investigations in Queensland: (Counter)-Therapeutic Effects
Elder abuse website goes live
Elder Abuse Action Australia and the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department have launched Australia’s new website “Compass – Guiding action on elder abuse”. The website is the culmination of calls by organisations and individuals for a national knowledge hub on elder abuse. Cybele Koning, CEO of Caxton Legal Centre and Elder Abuse Action Australia Board Member, describes the launch of Compass … Continue reading Elder abuse website goes live
New laws to limit peaceful protest
Today the Queensland Government will debate laws cracking down on protesting in Queensland. The new laws are likely to be passed shortly and include: Increased powers for police to stop and search protestors and vehicles Increased penalties for using a range of ‘lock-on’ devices, whether or not they are intended to cause harm The laws are purportedly designed … Continue reading New laws to limit peaceful protest
Older Persons Advocacy and Legal Service Update: Building collaboration across health and justice sectors
OPALS is “live”! OPALS officially commenced on 5 August 2019. It started in the Princess Alexandra Hospital and surrounding health area but will roll-out across Metro South. It is the first of its kind in Queensland. Prior to 5 August, Caxton staff and our partners at Metro South Health worked diligently behind the scenes to develop how … Continue reading Older Persons Advocacy and Legal Service Update: Building collaboration across health and justice sectors