Jonathan Hall Spence

Principal Solicitor at Public Interest Advocacy Centre (@piacnews). All views my own.

[Jonathan Hall Spence @jhallspence]

Aboriginal children have the right to grow up safe and strong in their culture and community. @PIACnews is proud to support @AbSecNSW and @ALS_NSWACT in calling for reforms to the NSW child protection system. Sign the petition to show your support 👇 https://t.co/SmX99ra9KO

[Jonathan Hall Spence @jhallspence]

@isreinecke @PIACnews @GrataFund Thanks @isreinecke and @GrataFund for your support for this important case - big appreciation from our client and the @PIACnews team

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

People who seek asylum in Australia should not be handcuffed while accessing vital healthcare. The misuse of handcuffs causes trauma & harms people’s health. ‘It's really hard to overstate the severity of the impact,’ @jhallspence said. 1/2
https://t.co/cKQ2oBUhwZ

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

A win for freedom of information!
We challenged a Local Health District to hand over information about our client which was hidden in heavily redacted documents. Less than fifteen minutes before an NCAT hearing, we were given a significantly less redacted version.

[Jonathan Hall Spence @jhallspence]

Thanks for the questions @DavidShoebridge - it was great for @PIACnews to attend and give evidence at today’s Senate hearing. For our clients, a strong FOI system is an essential means to hold government to account and to expose arbitrary, unfair and unlawful practices.

[David Shoebridge @DavidShoebridge]

For PIAC a truly independent FOI Commissioner needs the resourcing to actually do the job - to look into the dark corners and to pursue projects as well as deal with complaints.

[Rex Patrick @MrRexPatrick]

At 1230 AEST I will appear before the Senate’s Inquiry into ‘The Operation of Commonwealth #FOI Laws’. It will be my first time appearing before a Senate Committee, so wish me luck 😉. #auspol You can listen in here 👉 https://t.co/XAKVl9SPSq

[David Shoebridge @DavidShoebridge]

This hearing is on right now - follow along https://t.co/0QkAmJUDS0

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

Open government is vital for a healthy democracy but Australia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) system is failing us. That’s the message PIAC’s @jhallspence & Mitch Skipsey gave at a Senate inquiry into the operation of FOI laws, highlighting the need for urgent reform. 1/3

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

We’re joining #WearItPurple Day to emphasise our support for inclusive, visible, and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people.

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

This is a systemic problem in NSW policing. Alongside @RLC__News, @NSWCCL and others, we’re calling for a parliamentary inquiry into police use of force. The incident reported today is another example of how delaying reforms is enabling ongoing harm to First Nations people. 2/2

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

Another awful story about excessive use of force by NSW police on a First Nations person. Data obtained by @RLC__News recently showed that First Nations people were involved in 45% of such incidents in NSW despite being just 3.4% of the population. 1/2

https://t.co/fF8l1CzlLG

[Jonathan Hall Spence @jhallspence]

@SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle - "families are trapped in systems and policies that were designed for them, but without their input"

"We are not making meaningful progress, we are moving backwards."

https://t.co/4bz2FIQv6I

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

Challenging an NDIS decision can be daunting. PIAC’s Mitchell Skipsey recently joined @drgeorgethecrip on the @SummerFoundtn Reasonable & Necessary podcast to give tips on navigating the systems, what to do if you need more time and how to get support. https://t.co/v8fvr91l8H

[Sophie Trevitt @SophieTrevitt]

A moving tribute to Sophie Trevitt in the Australian Senate.

@larissawaters, 8:15pm 31 August 2023, adjournment.

https://t.co/O15iNA1cMj

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

It's PIAC's birthday! We're celebrating 41 years of tackling injustice and inequality.

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

“We can electrify the smart way, or the slow and expensive way” @PIACenergy's Craig Memery spoke to @switchedon_au about what a fair electrification process will require.

https://t.co/T1M93M76yw

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

Excellent article by @GiovanniTorre in @nit_times, which illustrates how PIAC and @ILC_UNSW’s Towards Truth project will help support First Nations truth-telling in NSW. https://t.co/QTwbdL3WjE

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

'Towards Truth makes it clear that these policies were hotly contested at the time, and there were contemporary voices of dissent all along.'
A great read from @niltiac in today's @smh about PIAC & @ILC_UNSW's #TowardsTruth project. 1/3

https://t.co/jw3AK4d6hv

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

‘Human rights should apply to humans, not organisations.’

PIAC’s @alawriedejesus explained why the NSW religious vilification bill is too broad and what needs to change on @2SER, #nswpol #auslaw

https://t.co/2YiDPqk4hP

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

Research confirms mandatory detention by Australia more than doubles the likelihood of a person having PTSD.

Mandatory, ongoing detention causes lifelong harm to people seeking #asylum. The Government must end this cruel practice. #auspol

https://t.co/H9JCYAH5tf

[Justice and Equity Centre (formerly PIAC) @jec_aus]

People with #disability should be able to travel without barriers. We’re calling for urgent reform to the Disability Transport Standards, particularly to improve access to rideshare services and air travel. Read our submission at: https://t.co/KszVthrgiz
#AusPol