In the media

ASIO warns on social media spies
A new security campaign designed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has been launched to raise awareness of the threat of malicious social media users, with the campaign Think Before You Link (19 November 2020). More...

OAIC keeps tabs on COVIDSafe privacy
The OAIC is auditing the handling of personal and private information by COVIDSafe. The Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, said the OAIC audit will look for compliance with the strict protections the Government put in place, with its first report due by the end of this year (19 November 2020). More...

Nine News breached privacy rules by disclosing police addresses: ACMA
Channel Nine News has been found to have breached broadcasting privacy rules by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in multiple broadcasts dating back to October 2019 (19 November 2020). More...

Public views sought for Digital Identity
The Australian public is to be asked its views on proposed legislation supporting and strengthening an expanded Digital Identity system in Australia. In a statement, DTA said the Digital Identity legislation sought to further enhance existing privacy and consumer safeguards and establish permanent governance arrangements (19 November 2020). More...

IBAC dismisses allegation of Vatican funds in Pell case
IBAC confirms it received information based on media reports which alleged Vatican funds were transferred to individuals in support of the recent case against George Pell. IBAC has reviewed the information and found the threshold to commence inquiries or an investigation was not met (11 November 2020). More...

In practice and courts

Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) consultation: The Digital Identity Legislation Consultation Paper
The paper outlines key issues surrounding the development of the legislation and poses specific questions about its design, scope and content. The closing date for submissions is 18 December and readers interested in making a submission can access the Digital Identity Consultation Page on this PS News link.

AAT Bulletin
The AAT Bulletin is a weekly publication containing a list of recent AAT decisions and information relating to appeals against AAT decisions, including immigration and citizenship.
Issue No. 28/2020, 16 November 2020

Office of the National Data Commissioner: Exposure draft open for comment
We are seeking submissions on the exposure draft of the Data Availability and Transparency Bill and explanatory materials, and an Accreditation Framework discussion paper. Submissions are open between 14 September and 6 November 2020. More...

Victoria

County Court of Victoria - revised Recommencement of Melbourne Jury Trials Guide
On 11 November, the County Court released a revised version of the Recommencement of Melbourne Jury Trials Guide. The revised version: Clarifies the empanelment process for a legacy/non-upgraded courtroom, and amends the rapid testing protocol sections to emphasise this is a voluntary process. The revised Guide is available on the Court's website here.

Electronic document lodgement is coming soon to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria and the Children's Court of Victoria
Electronic document lodgement, known as eDocs, is being implemented at both Courts across Victoria from November through to January 2021. This is a preliminary first step being introduced as part of a broader new case management system that will be rolled out over the next few years. In the meantime, if you have any questions, view the Frequently Asked Questions here.

DHHS: General information
Victoria has plans in place to manage and control the risks of infectious diseases like coronavirus (COVID-19) and these plans are being reviewed and amended as information emerges. The Court will continue to update advice and information as we receive it. For further information and guidance, please visit the DHHS page.

Legal Services Council Newsletter: Special edition
On 12 October 2020, the Legal Services Council issued a special edition of its newsletter. The newsletter is available here.

COVID: Magistrates' Court of Victoria
On 26 October, the Court issued an updated version of Practice Direction 9 – Diversion on the Papers, which relates to diversion hearings on the papers in the Court during COVID-19. The updated Practice Direction is available on the Court's website here. Also, the Chief Magistrate has extended the Modified Access and Procedure Order (MAP) until 25 April 2021 pursuant to section 33D of the Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic). A copy of the MAP is available on the Court's website here.

COVID Update: Supreme Court and County Court of Victoria
The Courts announced that a limited number of Melbourne-based criminal jury trials are planned to resume in a measured way from 16 November 2020 – the announcement is here. The Courts have also produced Q&As about the resumption of criminal jury trials, which are available on the Supreme Court website here.

Inquiry into the Victorian Government's COVID-19 Contact Tracing System and Testing Regime - Have your say
The Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee is accepting submissions to its Inquiry into the Victorian Government's COVID-19 contact tracing system and testing regime. Information about this inquiry will be posted in the tabs above as it becomes available (November 2020). More...

Inquiry into the Victorian Government's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic - Have your say
The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee is accepting submissions to its Inquiry into the Victorian Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions are open until 30 November 2020. More...

Law Library of Victoria
Fortnightly bulletin that summarises the latest legislation and cases for the Victorian jurisdiction, as well as High Court of Australia cases. Download the Law Library Bulletin No 22 (fortnight ending 20 November 2020).

Published – articles, papers, reports

Planning for the 2021 Census
ANAO Report no 16: 19 November 2020
The objective of this audit was to assess whether the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is effectively preparing for the 2021 Census. More...

Performance measurement and monitoring — developing performance measures and tracking progress
ANAO: 11 November 2020
This edition of audit insights summarises key messages from a series of ANAO performance audits assessing performance evaluation frameworks and success measures. It discusses the importance of both in keeping entities accountable and their performance transparent. More...

Legislation

Victoria

Date of commencement: 18 November 2020
Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other Matters) Act 2020 (Vic)
Parts 1 – 4, Parts 6 – 10 of this Act came in by forced commencement on 18 November 2020 s. 2(1)
Act Number: 35/2020

Date of assent: 17 November 2020
Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other Matters) Act 2020 (Vic)
Act Number: 35/2020

Victorian legislation can be accessed here www.legislation.vic.gov.au

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.