Where: Mitchell Theatre, Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney
When: Monday, 25^th February 2019, 6pm – 8:30pm. 

All political parties have been sent a Questionnaire created by a team of interdisciplinary experts. Their responses have been documented and will be discussed at the forum.  A background paper was prepared and is here.

View Analysis of Political Party Statements here.
Report of Event is here.

The Government, Opposition, Greens and other parties on the panel were questioned by the audience and media.

View previous events here.

“The 2019 Pre-Election Justice Forum will examine the criminal justice policy of all NSW political parties prior to the 2019 state election” said CJC President the Hon John Dowd AO QC.

“Parties’ responses will provide a unique opportunity to inform future collaboration and communication between political parties and community stakeholders. Bipartisanship has proven itself as an effective tool for achieving positive reform,” said the former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia the Hon Elizabeth Evatt AC.

The Pre-election Forum, organised by the Community Justice Coalition, in conjunction with the International Commission of Jurists, invited candidates and members of all parties to present and be cross-examination of key justice issues ahead of the New South Wales state election this March.  

With focus firmly placed on the party attitudes and policies, rigorous discourse followed pertaining to criminal justice issues such as: bail and remand issues, privatisation, education and training, women in justice, correctional services and rehabilitation.

Speakers on the night were:

• The Hon. Alister Henskens, Australian Liberal Party
  

  Alister Henskens SC MP

• The Hon. David Shoebridge, The Australian Greens
• Rachel Evans, Socialist Alliance

The Labor Party was invited to have a spokesperson but did not take the opportunity due to “unforeseen circumstances”. However their positions are documented in the Analysis and detailed statements. 

The Analysis of Political Party Statements here.

Here is a five-minute video summary of the key points made throughout the evening. Full video here.

Elizabeth Evatt AC

Chaired by the Hon. John Dowd AO QC with The Hon. Elizabeth Evatt AC

Organised by:

The Community Justice Coalition & International Commission of Jurists