CB Legal Coffs Harbour

08/01/2024

We might not have donuts but we do have cake to start off our working year for 2024! We hope you had a wonderful holiday period.
If you have a legal issue, give us a call and we will get you headed in the right direction!

22/12/2023

We thank you for another year of trusting the team at CB Legal Coffs Harbour to assist you with your legal matters. We will be back on 8 January 2024.

Be safe, enjoy the good things in life and try to sneak in a little relaxation time.

See you in 2024!

21/11/2023

We have a new phone system.
Optus callers are having trouble reaching us.
If you can't get through, please send an email to [email protected] and we will call you back.

03/09/2023

What matters would The Voice advise on?

The Voice will make representations to Parliament and the Executive ‘on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’.

One concern that has been raised is the possible scope of the Voice to comment on all issues, including those that impact Indigenous people in the same way as non-Indigenous people (e.g., certain matters of national security). While the scope of the Voice is broad, it is highly likely that it will focus its efforts on those matters that have the greatest impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

01/09/2023

Would The Voice give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people special rights?

The proposal is for a constitutionally enshrined body that would make representations and recommendations to Parliament and the Executive on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All people and organisations in Australia are able to make representations to Parliament or government on political matters.

The Voice would not alter these processes or diminish any ‘right, power or privilege’ of any non-Indigenous person.*

* The Hon Linda Burney MP, Communiqué for the Referendum Working Group, 12 December 2022. See also Anne Twomey, ‘An Indigenous Voice to Parliament will not give ‘special rights’ or create a veto’, The Conversation, 14 December 2022.

31/08/2023

What are we being asked to vote for in The Voice Referendum?

We are being asked to vote for Parliament to have the power to set up The Voice. We are not voting on the details - details are found in legislation (that will be drafted later if the referendum succeeds).

If the referendum succeeds, the following section will be inserted into the Constitution:

“Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

i. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
ii. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
iii. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”

30/08/2023

What is a referendum?

A federal referendum is a vote used to approve a change to the Australian Constitution. Parliament then has to approve the proposed law. Section 128 of the Constitution contains the process that must be followed.

For a successful referendum, there must be a ‘double majority’ vote for ‘yes’ to the proposed changes. A double majority is:
• a national majority of voters in the states and territories; and
• a majority of voters in at least 4 out of the 6 states.

Follow us for more information over the coming days.

30/08/2023

Have questions about The Voice? Click here for some great FAQs

In late 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The Law Society is aware that members of the Australian community may look to legal professionals t...

19/07/2023

09/07/2023

No...we haven't lost our minds...

Have you organised with your ex, about what is going to happen with your kids for the Christmas School Holidays?

If you haven't, now is the time to come and see us to work things out. Don't leave it until November or December!