Legal observers are trained volunteers who act as independent witnesses of police behaviour at protests. They do not provide legal advice but instead, monitor, record and report instances of unlawful or improper police action.1 It is important to note legal observers are not lawyers, medics, media spokespeople or police liaisons.2

The resources below include links to legal observer groups across australia.

You can read more about legal observing, including its political history here.

National #

  • Activist Rights - a website providing information on activist legal rights, including how to prepare, common charges and offences, as well as police powers and your rights.

NSW #

VIC #

SA #

  • No centralised legal observer group

TAS #

  • No centralised legal observer group

QLD #

  • Action Ready | Instagram | Facebook - a not-for-profit organisation formed by volunteers in so-called “Brisbane” who can provide general legal briefings before an action and preparations for people taking on legal marshal/legal observer roles.
    • Callout for lawyers willing to assist protest groups and individuals on a range of matters, either pro bono or for a reduced fee.

NT #

WA #

ACT #

General Resources #

Further information will be added soon.

Stand With Palestine - Legal Aid

“We are working to connect Palestine supporters with pro bono legal advice for issues that arise due to their advocacy, identity, or attendance at pro-Palestine events and protests. If you require legal support, please fill out this form, and one of our organisers will contact you.”

What To Do If ASIO Calls #

The following information has been sourced directly from an Instagram infographic by Whistleblowers, Activists & Communities Alliance (@aka.waca on Instagram).3

Who Is ASIO? #

  • ASIO is the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Formally, they’re the national security agency responsible for “preventing terrorism”. They “collect and evaluate intelligence relevant to Australia’s domestic security”. 4

  • They assist the state and police to undermine social movements and leftist political organisations.

What To Say #

  • Decline any offers for conversation, whether through phone call or visit to your residence. This is to protect yourself and others, as informal/casual interviews have been used to compromise and prosecute activists.
  • Simply state that you have nothing to say, decline the phone call, and/or close the door.
  • Do not snitch, gossip, or accidentally incriminate yourself and others by agreeing to speak further or meet up.

What To Do Next #

  • If they continue to threaten you, do not talk to them without seeking legal advice from a lawyer/legal observer first.
  • At the minimum, make sure you have a witness with you to be able to verify what occurred.
  • Let your fellow organisers/comrades know about what happened, and share the above advice with them. Transparency and communication is vital.

What To Do If Facing Disciplinary Action From Your School Or University #

The following information has been sourced directly from an Instagram infographic by CAIR-SFBA, an american Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation. Although this source was created to offer (non-legal) guidance in an american high school context, many of the tips are also applicable to high school and tertiary students in so-called australia.

Know Your Rights #

Subject to local, state, and federal laws, you have the right to:

  • Speak out online and in person
  • Organise events
  • Form or participate in online groups
  • Maintain your privacy

You do not have the right to:

  • Disrupt school activities
  • Harass or bully
  • Post illegal or harmful content
  • Violate school policy

If You Are Called Into A Meeting #

  • Inform the administration you will bring support with you.
    • Bring someone you trust: parent or guardian, school counsellor, supportive teacher, community advocate, friend, etc.
  • Document the meeting and any correspondence.
    • Ask for permission to record the conversation. If declined, take detailed notes.
    • Follow up after the meeting via email and summarise what you discussed.
  • Stay calm. Approach the conversation with a calm and respectful demeanour, avoid becoming defensive or confrontational.
  • Ask questions.
    • Are there specific policies I’ve inadvertently violated?
    • If the meeting is regarding social media posts you’ve made:
      • How did you learn about my posts?
      • What aspects of my posts are causing concerns?
      • How do you interpret the intent of my posts?
      • Have you considered the broader context in which my posts were made?
  • Advocate for yourself.
    • Do not accept false allegations.
    • Do not compromise your principles.
    • Clearly articulate the intent and context behind your posts.
    • Emphasise the awareness-raising aspect of your posts.
    • Ask for support hosting an event or educational sessions about Palestine.
    • Request a copy of their anti-bullying and digital citizenship policies.

After The Meeting: Organise #

  • Build community with other students and groups who may be similarly targeted.
  • Ask your parents to notify the PCA and school board.
  • Report the incident to your student representative body or student union.

Notes #

  1. Legal Observers NSW. <https://legalobserversnsw.org/purpose-and-values/> Accessed 27/12/23. ↩︎

  2. Green & Black Cross. <https://greenandblackcross.org/guides/what-is-a-legal-observer/> Accessed 27/12/23. ↩︎

  3. Whistleblowers, Activists & Communities Alliance. <https://www.instagram.com/p/CzKcFyPyxta> Accessed 27/12/23. ↩︎

  4. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. <https://www.asio.gov.au/about> Accessed 27/12/23. ↩︎