annual report 08-09 - Public Interest Advocacy Centre

and subsequent enactment of changes allowing people who are
homeless, and many others who face significant disadvantage, to
‘pay off’ their accumulated fine debts through voluntary work and
participation in education, training and treatment.
The focus of HPLS’s work has been enhanced by the establishment
of Street Care, a group of homeless and formerly homeless people
who provide advice to HPLS and others on how to effectively
consult with homeless people. Street Care receives funding
support from PIAC and the City of Sydney,
On the legal advocacy front, the position of Solicitor Advocate
with the HPLS has proved a vital component of achieving better
outcomes for homeless people facing minor criminal matters.
More broadly, PIAC’s capacity to take on significant public interest
litigation has again led to some important legal outcomes. The
refusal by the High Court to grant leave to Nationwide News
Pty Ltd to appeal against the finding of defamation and level of
damages awarded to PIAC’s client, Mr Romzi Ali, brought an end to
several years of litigation and again highlighted the public interest
in protecting people from defamatory comments by the media. In
this case, the defamation involved allegations relating to terrorism.
In its litigation, PIAC has continued to focus on cases that improve
access and equality for people with disability. This work was
greatly enhanced with the decision by Justice Bennett in the
Federal Court to make an order capping the potential costs
awardable against PIAC’s clients in proceedings against Virgin Blue
Airlines. This is of particular significance as it is the first order of
this kind in a human rights matter in Australia.
While many cases are ongoing, PIAC achieved positive outcomes
at first instance in several cases that are now subject to appeal.
This includes a case alleging discrimination in foster care against
same-sex couples.
PIAC Chief Executive Office Robin Banks ... working to influence
public interest issues.
PIAC also continued its important work in supporting families
in coronial inquiries into the deaths of a family member with
mental illness. This work highlights continuing systemic failures to
provide appropriate care, support and treatment to people with
mental illness, particularly at times of crisis.
In February 2009, PIAC celebrated the tenth anniversary of the
establishment of the Energy and Water Consumers’ Advocacy
Program (EWCAP, formerly the Utility Consumers’ Advocacy
Program) with a very successful conference on the impacts of
the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme on low-income and
disadvantaged consumers. The conference brought together
participants from all sectors and provided a practical opportunity
to consider ways of reducing the negative impacts.
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PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE • ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009