Press Releases
The National Network writes media releases in response to current affairs and our members speak at events, protests, conferences, panels and appear in mainstream media.
Crisafulli Doesn’t Fool the Women of Queensland—Or Even the Women of the LNP
‘David Crisafulli may think he’s pulling the wool over the eyes of Queensland’s women, but his polished non-answers and evasive rhetoric only prove one thing: he is not to be trusted when it comes to our reproductive rights. His hollow promises do little to fill women...
National Network Condemns Cruel and Inhumane Treatment of Prisoners Exposed by NSW Ombudsman Report
The National Network is horrified, yet unsurprised, by the damning report released by the NSW Ombudsman, which highlights the cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners, treatment tantamount to torture. ‘The report exposes the brutality of the prison system, and their...
Profound Disappointment, But No Surprise – Legal Aid NT Cuts Will Devastate Vulnerable Communities
The National Network are profoundly disappointed – but not shocked – by the announcement that Legal Aid NT will be forced to cut critical services starting 1 January 2025, due to insufficient funding. ‘In fact, no one should be surprised by this. For years, legal...
A Call for Investment in Non-Carceral Solutions for Tasmania’s Youth
The National Network welcome the Tasmanian government's recent acknowledgment that investing in more carceral facilities and children’s cages is not the solution. However, we urge the government to go further by committing to the closure of the Ashley Youth Detention...
Hands Off Our Bodies: Condemning the Invasive Private Members’ Bill on Abortion Laws
The introduction of the private members' bill by Liberal MP Ben Hood, which seeks to impose draconian and outdated restrictions on abortion after 27 weeks and six days, is a blatant assault on women's bodily autonomy. ‘This proposed bill attempts to control the most...
LNP’s Desperate ‘Making Our Community Safer’ Plan Targets Vulnerable Children
The National Network and Sisters Inside have issued this joint statement to state that the Queensland LNP's latest policy proposal, disguised as part of their 'Making Our Community Safer' plan, is nothing short of draconian. ‘Their new laws, if passed, will allow the...
Demand for Accountability and Action from South Australia’s Attorney-General
The National Network call upon South Australia's Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, to face the children his laws are locking up. ‘It is unacceptable for him to ignore the voices of young people suffering under a brutal colonial legal system that cages Aboriginal children...
Senate Youth Justice Inquiry: National Network responds to the announcement of yet another parliamentary inquiry
The National Network welcomes Government attention on what is undeniably one of Australia’s national shames – the so-called ‘youth justice’ system. However, the announcement of yet another Senate inquiry leaves us feeling tired and cynical. ‘We have seen these...
World Suicide Prevention Day – Prisons Continue to Kill with Impunity
As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, we must confront the devastating reality that suicide remains a significant cause of death in prison. Of the 63 deaths in prison custody in 2021–22 where the manner of death was recorded, one-quarter (25%) were deaths from...
Immediate Action Needed in the Domestic Violence Sector
Amid growing divisions in the domestic and family violence sector about the best way forward, the National Network stands ready with solutions that have long been ignored but remain vital. ‘While debate continues between advocates about strategies, we remain focused...
Acknowledging the Tasmanian Government’s decision to not build a new prison, but rejecting the ‘Carceral Creep’
While the National Network applaud the Tasmanian government’s recent decision not to build a new prison in the north of the state, we remain deeply concerned by the expansion of carceral systems into our homes and communities. ‘The shift from traditional prisons to...
Another day, another call for a new prison build: It’s Time to Break Free from the Prison Industrial Complex
In the face of growing calls for the construction of a new prison in Mount Isa, the National Network are once again confronted by the limitations of community leader’s imagination when it comes to addressing complex social challenges. ‘Proposals like new prison builds...
Acknowledging the National Cabinet’s $4.7 Billion Family Violence Services Plan
The National Network welcome the National Cabinet's recent announcement of a $4.7 billion investment in family violence services, a critical and much-needed step in addressing the devastating impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence across this country. This...
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Report Calls for Transition to Voluntary Income Management—A Step Forward, but Not Enough
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights has handed down their Inquiry report into Compulsory Income Management, calling for a transition from compulsory income management to a voluntary system. While this is a step in the right direction, the National...
Condemnation of Queensland LNP’s ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ Policy: A Targeted Attack on First Nations Children
The National Network strongly condemns the Queensland Liberal National Party’s (LNP) recent announcement of the ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ policy, a key part of their ‘Making Our Community Safer’ plan for the upcoming Queensland elections. ‘This policy purports to make...