Media
The Decision of Cuthbert v Abbott & Ors follows other similar decisions in Australia, following the Cameron v Hogan decision of the High Court in 1932 that, Courts do not have jurisdiction to decide/interfere with matters of political parties. You can access the full decision here.
From Convict to Council Member: One Man's Mission for Society Against Globalism and Government Corruption.5th June, 2023
Dennis from Awakening in Health chats with Local Council Candidate, Shane Cuthbert about his journey in getting here. Incarcerated in his early 20's, Shane survived a horrendous prison experience and dramatically changed his direction in life. Now a business owner in the community, finishing a double degree in Law and Psychology. There are serious and dangerous plans taking place in society, cashless, Smart Cities, Social Credit etc. What can we do about it? Well, Shane is leading by example by turning his life around and joining the fight for truth and justice.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Young Musician Shane Cuthbert Shares heartbreaking, terribly unbelievable and uplifting story of overcoming adversity.1st June, 2023
On this week’s show, Jaret Reddick & Gary Wiseman of Grammy nominated band 'Bowling for Soup' talk about TV, how they’re glad they are not girls and the amazing story of Shane Cuthbert - this is truly a heartbreaking, scary and triumphant journey! On this weeks episode of the Rockstar Dad Show, Out now on Apple Podcasts Youtube and Spotify.
For BOWLING FOR SOUP TOUR DATES: http://www.bowlingforsoup.com

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Takes Steps to Obtain Information from the Office of Curtis Pitt Regarding his Exclusion from Parliament29th May, 2023
Shane Cuthbert sends letter to Information Commissioner regarding Right to Information requests into decisions and communications within electorate offices and those of Members of Parliament, following exclusion from the Queensland Parliament earlier this month, by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Curtis Pitt MP without reason. Subject: Clarification on the Application of the Right to Information Act 2009
Dear Information Commissioner,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to seek clarification on the application of the Right to Information Act 2009 (Queensland). Specifically, I am interested in understanding whether the Act applies to Members of Parliament (MPs) and electoral offices.
The Act clearly states that it applies to all Queensland government agencies, including Ministers and their departments. However, it does not explicitly mention MPs or electoral offices. Given the importance of transparency and the public's right to access information, I believe it is crucial to clarify this point.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could confirm whether the Act applies to MPs and electoral offices. Your clarification will be instrumental in ensuring the Act's proper application and the public's understanding of their rights.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely, Shane Cuthbert The Information Commissioner has confirmed that the Act, does not apply to electorate offices, Member of Parliament and/or the Parliament itself.
Shane Cuthbert Joins Submission to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters27th May, 2023
Shane Cuthbert Joins New South Wales Business man and Plaintiff in Camenzuli v Morrison (2022) NSWCA 51, Matthew Camenzuli, Ben Dawkins Member of the Legislative Assembly in Western Australia and the Plaintiff in Dawkins v the State Secretary, Australian Labor Party (WA Branch) (2022) WASC 75 and Tristan Cockman, former Federal candidate for the ALP in WA and Plaintiff in Cockman v Gorman (2023) WASCA 44, in a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. The full submission can be read here.
Youth Crime Advocate Shane Cuthbert on the Queensland Police Youth Crime Documentary23rd May, 2023
Shane Cuthbert acknowledges the Queensland Police Service for its attempts to highlight and explain some of the issues driving youth crime in Queensland and its causes however, identifies some officers disregard for the safety and rights of children.
According to Queensland Police Operational Procedures Manual, “an officer is not to handcuff a child unless the child is in lawful custody and cannot be controlled by other means.” Meaning that if a child is complying to verbal orders (and therefore “controlled”), it would be a violation to handcuff them.
Despite this, we see Queensland Police Officers handcuffing a young girl who appears to be complying with their orders.
My friend Debbie Kilroy of Sisters Inside told the ABC “Why are police funded to make videos about their failure?”, “We as a community must hold police accountable and not fall victim to their marketing.
“Police are not victims, they are overly funded to do a job they admit they can’t do, ‘end youth crime’.”

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Victims of Crime Advocate Shane Cuthbert Says Victims Feel Unheard19th May, 2023
The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee Victims of Crime Inquiry was criticised by Cairns locals for lack of awareness around the committee hearing and many residents only found out about the hearing on the news the night prior.
Obviously, for a town with many victims, there were many who felt as though the hearings were rushed and not adequately promoted. Some who attended and shared personal stories on the day are again frustrated that the Cairns transcript was not published, in the interests of transparency.
Shane received a copy, to be proof read because of his extensive and personal submissions on the day however, the transcript was not published as it is under usual circumstances.
This could be due to many reasons, some of which were addressed on the day. Some personal stories described events and circumstances currently before the Courts and publishing those stories could be prejudicial to the Court processes.
Some of the content was rather explicit and graphic, especially discussions around sexual violence however, the victims that had the courage to show up and speak about some of the most horrible and traumatic experiences feel as though they have been silenced.
As a young law student, Shane Cuthbert understands the legalities behind publication however, after meeting with and speaking to many Cairns victims over the last few weeks, Shane says 'that generally, people just want to feel heard, like they matter'.
To view the submission in full CLICK HERE
For more information on the proposed Legal Affairs and Safety Committee Inquiry into Support Provided to Victims of Crime CLICK HERE

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Court of Appeal Considers Possible 'Constitutional Implications' Following Decision in Cockman v Gorman 2023 WASC 7515th May, 2023
Queensland Speaker Curtis Pitt MP Steps Down After Excluding Shane Cuthbert from Cairns Regional Sitting14th May, 2023
The Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Curtis Pitt MP excluded Shane Cuthbert from the regional sitting tin Cairns and has denied him the right, to see democracy in action.
Cuthbert says 'To exclude members of the community is democracy inaction' adding that 'This is the state ALP way, I was excluded as a member of the party in 2021 under similar circumstances with the ALP citing “your membership is no longer in the best interests of the party”, without stating why'.
Back in 2017 the champagne Premier guaranteed the Speakers position as treasurer but due to infighting between the factions he was stripped of his Treasurer position, will the champagne Premier again, offer him the kiss of death and guarantee his position as speaker?
The Cairns Post reported that the speaker and Premier dished out more than 187k on flash food and ritzy hotel stays during the week. Shane Cuthbert challenged the speaker to meet him with open arms to welcome him into the people’s house however the Speaker instead released a statement stepping down as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Condemns Queensland Premier Annastacia Palusczuczk Youth Crime Backflip12th May, 2023
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recently told 7 News that the Queensland Government would be spending 500 million dollars on 'early intervention and prevention' however, in October of 2022 the Premier told the media that the 500 million dollar spend would go towards building two new youth detention centres, one of them in Cairns.
Security prevented Shane Cuthbert from speaking with the Premier during her Cairns visit recently, the Premier and Mr Cuthbert attended a free community breakfast on the Cairns Esplanade which coincided with the Cairns Regional Parliamentary Sitting.
Cuthbert, who has an ongoing membership dispute with The Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) has been critical of the State Governments new youth justice reforms.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Community Justice Advocate Shane Cuthbert Speaks at Community #NoCairnsChildrensJail Event12th May, 2023
Shane Cuthbert was recently invited to speak to locals in the community at the #NoCairnsChildrensJail event by Former Magistrate Pat O'Shane, Shane provided an update regarding Deb Kilroy and Sisters Inside plan to present to Cairns Regional Council members at a future workshop following the deputation on the 19th April. Shane Cuthbert also spoke about personal experiences within the Justice system and addressed some of the offending behaviours, why young people offend and how to better support young people.
Shane Cuthbert Threatened with Arrest Outside Cairns Parliament Regional Sitting Alongside Former MP Rob Pyne11th May, 2023 On Thursday, Shane Cuthbert attended and attempted to enter the Cairns Convention Centre which, for the purposes of the Queensland Parliamentary Regional Sitting in Cairns, was designated the Parliamentary precinct. Community Leader and Former Member of the Queensland Parliament Rob Pyne shared his support by approaching Queensland Police officers outside of the Precinct. Shane Cuthbert was excluded from thw Queensland Parliamentary Precinct the week prior by the Speaker of the Legidlative Assembly, the Honourable Curtis Pitt MP who was a no show, later stepping down from his position as speaker following Mr Cuthbert's Press Conference.
Community Justice Advocate Shane Cuthbert Speaks at Victims of Crime Rally Outside Cairns Regional Sitting of Parliament10th May, 2023
Shane Cuthbert was recently invited to speak to locals in the community at the Crime and Justice Action Group rally on the second day of Queensland Parliaments Regional Sitting.
Shane Cuthbert is anti prisons and anti locking young kids up but he is also pro support for victims and pro reducing crime. Shane spoke about males as victims and how males are often treated differently, offered less support, but also spoke about discrimination against victims in general.
If you’re an elderly lady and someone has broken into your home but hasn’t physically assaulted you, what support do you get? Not much.
No mental health support, even though you may feel violated, scared and unable to sleep at night your crime, or the crime against you isn’t considered serious enough to offer you that support.
If you are a victim of crime you SHOULD have access to the same supports as everyone else and that’s also Shane Cuthbert told the legal affairs and safety committee the week prior.
Reef Leader Shane Cuthbert Attends Reef Rally Outside Cairns Regional Parliament Sitting9th May, 2023
Reef Leader and Community Advocate Shane Cuthbert stood outside the Parliament Regional Sitting and spoke with members of the Cairns community, groups, organisations and other leaders who took the time to show up, stand up and have their voices heard.
Shane Cuthbert completed reef leader training with the Australian Marine Conservation Society in 2021 and became an advocate for protecting the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest.
Joining CAFNEC and the AMCS was former Cairns MP Rob Pyne, Michael Berkman MP and Amy MacMahon MP.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Excluded from the Queensland Parliament Regional Sitting9th May, 2023
Shane Cuthbert received a call from Michael Watkins, Sargent at Arms of the Queensland Parliament who informed him that a decision had been made in accordance with section 50 of the Parliamentary Services Act 1988 to exclude him from the Parliamentary Precinct during its Regional Sitting in Cairns.
Shane Cuthbert says 'Exclusion without reason is wrong and unfair, it is an abuse of the Speakers power and those that abuse powers must be taken to account'.
Shane Cuthbert held a press conference outside the Cairns Convention Centre, which was designated as the Parliamentary Precinct for the purposes of the Queensland Parliament Regional Sitting.
Trailblazing Friend and former Magistrate Pat O’Shane stated ‘I opine that Mr Cuthbert has good grounds for legal action, governments are not immune from legal action.. nor are the police a protected species’. Pat considered further, ‘What the High Court may think about the Speakers action’ adding, there are possibly human rights and constitutional implications.
It is believed the exclusion was based on Cuthbert's ongoing membership dispute with The Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) currently in the Brisbane Court of Appeal.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Appears as Guest on RockStar Dad Show27th April, 2023
Shane Cuthbert was asked to join Jaret Reddick and Gary Wiseman of Bowling for Soup, on the Rockstar Dad Show Live in Chicago.
Shane Cuthbert Attends Cairns Victims of Crime Hearing26th April, 2023
Shane Cuthbert was asked to attend the Queensland Parliament Legal Affairs and Safety Committee hearing in Cairns recently, to speak to a submission made to the committee regarding their inquiry into support services for victims of crime.
To view the submission in full CLICK HERE
For more information on the proposed Legal Affairs and Safety Committee Inquiry into Support Provided to Victims of Crime CLICK HERE

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Supports Jack's Law Implementation in Cairns CBD 26th April, 2023 In 2022, Shane Cuthbert made a submission to the Queensland Parliament Community Support and Services Committee, supporting the implementation of Jack's Law. The Queensland Police Service this week, began conducting the very first wanding operation in Cairns.
To view Shane's submission in full

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Supports Sisters Inside Deputation in Cairns #endtoxicprisons19th April, 2023
Shane Cuthbert attends MOST Cairns Council meetings and believes that it is important as a local leader to be up to date on Council decisions, initiatives and issues effecting this region at the local level.
Recently, Shane Cuthbert had the opportunity to introduce friends Deb Kilroy and former Cairns MP Rob Pyne supporting deadly sisters Ruby and Neta in organising a deputation to the Cairns Councillors, on some of the negatives associated with building a new youth detention centre in Cairns.
Human Rights advocate Deb Kilroy asked them, to 'consider how that 500 million dollars can be better spent in the community, by the community' adding, 'Why must we do what Brisbane tells us to do'.
Councillors were visibly moved and one in particular, broke down in tears and had to leave, Rob Pyne moved a motion Shane Cuthbert and Ruby Wharton had drafted, that the Council support writing a letter to the State Government, letting them know they do not support a prison here, but he decided to withdraw because of the emotional responses of Councillor Vallelly.
Instead, the Council has requested Deb and sisters inside come back to do a workshop with the Councillors.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Supports Decision to Ban Choke Hold14th April, 2023 Shane Cuthbert supports the decision made by Queensland Police to ban the use of the Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint. Senior Police Officers in 2020, subjected him to the Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint (LVNR) in Cairns, in an attempt to prevent Cuthbert walking away from Officers who had stopped him for J-Walking in the Cairns CBD. Cuthbert lost consciousness immediately after Queensland Police Officers applied a LVNR from behind, dropping him onto the roadway causing a cut to his face.
Cuthbert was subsequently charged by Police Officers with a Public Nuisance offence. Cuthbert has taken legal action against the QPS in the Cairns District Court, a matter which is ongoing.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Supports the Decriminilisation of Sex Work in Queensland29th April, 2023 As a member of The Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) in 2020/2021, Shane Cuthbert supported the decriminilisation of sex work in Queensland voting in favour of the decriminalisation in Cairns. Finally, the Queensland Government has agreed to move forward with the decriminilisation.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Part Two of this pre-recorded interview series, ABC Host Susan Graham speaks with Community Advocate Shane Cuthbert about the new youth justice reforms recently introduced in Queensland and asks him, as a young person with lived experience and, as someone who has been through the processes now reformed, what he thinks of the new laws and why he thinks 'these new youth justice reforms could make the crime problems worse'..

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Shane Cuthbert Joins Pat O'Shane and ABC Far North Breakfast Host Susan Graham-Ryan to Discuss Queensland's New Youth Justice Reforms17th March, 2023
Part One of this pre-recorded interview series, ABC Host Susan Graham speaks with retired Magistrate Pat O'Shane about the new youth justice reforms recently introduced in Queensland and asks her what shpould be done to get the laws and the kids on the right path. Hear why Pat labels the new reforms 'barbaric'.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Ron Isherwood recently asked Shane Cuthbert to speak about his personal struggles with addictions, fitting in, drink driving and what it was like for him growing up in Blacktown, New South Wales. You can listen to the podcast HERE on Spotify.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
Cairns Local Drew Boy, Host of All Good Chats recently invited Shane Cuthbert to an Instagram LIVE where he shares stories from his past, touching on some of the most significant traumas and darkest moments. CLICK HERE to listen to the Recording. You can follow All Good Nutrition HERE and DrewBoy HERE.
Charlie McKillop interviewed Shane Cuthbert at the Cairns Regional Council Australia Day Awards and asks him what the day means to him and his thoughts on whether perhaps the date should be changed.

Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.
This is Shane Cuthbert's second nomination and it comes after dual nominations in 2021, for the COVID-19 Community Care and Volunteer of the Year Awards held in the Pullman International. Shane was volunteering with COUCH and was encouraged to assist, The Salvation Army, Anglicare and Cairns Helpers Helping Those In Quarantine, receiving and distributing donated items of food and toiletries across Cairns. As new restrictions were brought in and as the main organiser of Cairns Helpers Helping those in Quarantine had family members with immune deficiencies, Shane took on a greater role and his business premises was established as a food ’drop off’ point where canned goods and toiletries were carefully sought into ‘care packages’ for delivery across Cairns. Shane personally delivered many of these ‘care packages’ to the most vulnerable, elderly, at risk and immune compromised families in Cairns.
Over the last two years Shane has volunteered in Cairns with the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Australian Marine Conservation Society, COUCH, Cairns Helpers Helping Those in Quarantine, Lifeline, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Cairns, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Domestic Violence Anonymous, Tangaroa Blue, Greenpeace and Central Queensland University as an Ambassador, Student Mentor, Social Innovation Network Treasurer and the Law Society as President. He has also volunteered with the Cairns Ironman event, the Reef Restoration Foundation, Mayor Bob Manning's Christmas Appeal and many others.
To say that Shane Cuthbert is a serious volunteer is an incredible understatement. Shane advocates through his personal website and social media for volunteering and says that "through volunteering, individuals have the power to help themselves whilst helping others", a powerful statement shared alongside his personal experiences, speaking publicly at the St Vincent De Paul Societies CEO Sleepout and Lifeline's Out of the Shadows, suicide prevention events this year.
Not only does Shane Cuthbert do a lot of volunteering work for organisations in Cairns, but he also does a lot of extra-curricular (unpaid volunteer) work on behalf of those in the local community not currently supported or inadequately supported by NGOs and Government services as an advocate for human rights and a law student. Again, a long list which includes but is not limited to;
Contributing to an economic stimulus plan, presented to state and federal leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of the Cairns Young Chamber of Commerce; and
As a representative of the Business and Law faculty of CQU, visitng schools and community organisations in Rockhampton to present the LawToks project, to young people identified as ‘at high risk’ of police interactions. CQU’s involvement in the project was requested by the Durumbul Youth Network in collaboration with Child Safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community Leaders in Rockhampton, following community consultations in 2020. Shane Cuthbert was the only law student from CQU involved and his legal advice was relied upon by the CQU drama students who created short, fun and engaging videos depicting ‘real life’ scenarios in order to better educate young people about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with police. A project supported by Cairns MP Michael Healy; and
Through the establishment of his own change the world foundation, which advocates for mostly indigenous youth in Cairns, applying for the Queensland Government Community Partnerships grant to establish a 24-hour youth centre in Cairns, that aims to minimise youth crime whilst providing a safe place for at risk, vulnerable youth at night, access to clothing, bedding and food whilst also providing mentorship and guidance to young offenders currently before the legal system in various capacities; and
As the main facilitator of adult male mentoring sessions on behalf of domestic violence anonymous. A service reducing and preventing domestic violence through peer support, education and mentorship for individuals that may be victims or perpetrators of abuse; and
As a promoter of youth and business, Shane Cuthbert was asked to join the Business Liaison Association's year 11 and 12 business planning competition as a Judge following the passing of long time supporter and organiser, Sandy Whyte; and
As an active participant in Australian and Queensland law reform having made substantial contributions and submissions to the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce on Coercive Control, the Queensland Human Rights Commission's review of the anti-discrimination laws and more recently, the Queensland Governments Inquiry into Decriminilising Certain Public Offences. In response to the latter, Mr Cuthbert was invited to address the parliamentary inquiry in person alongside Former Cairns MP Rob Pyne. These Reports now published, reference Shane's well written and articulated submissions throughout; and
As a general advocate for a safer, greater Cairns with Cairns Regional Councillor Rob Pyne, with whom it appears Shane is working very closely. There can be no denying that Mr Cuthbert has/is/continues to make a considerable contribution within the Cairns community as a whole but specifically in the area of volunteer work and whether you agree or disagree with his politics, it is difficult to deny that he is making Cairns a greater place, certainly in addition to the incredible work he does as a volunteer in Cairns, a commitment of so much time, dedication, support and unpaid hours to so many organisations.
The primary purposes of this bill is to allow the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture access to places of detention in Queensland in order to carry out inspections. The Australian Government is a member of the United Nations and is a member of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
Shane Cuthbert shares with this inquiry, a very personal story informed by his lived experiences within the criminal justice system (broadly) and places of detention in Queensland (specifically). Shane's submission contains allegations of verbal, physical and sexual abuse, as well as the inhumane treatment of others whilst in custody. CLICK HERE to view the Submission in full.
The Bill does many things, introduces new offences relating to the use of drones over Corrective Services facilities and climbing onto the roof of these facilities and other (restricted areas), introduces a new prisoner classification framework, additional CCTV, body-worn camera devices and the use of x-ray body scanners and other amendment allowing for better saftey outcomes and managment of prisoners within such facilities.
As an individual with lived experience in the Queensland justice system and specifically, as a former inmate of multiple detention centres in Queensland, and as a future legal practitioner, Shane Cuthbert has a personal and professional responsibility to engage in law reform. Shane Cuthbert shares with this inquiry, some of his personal experiences and suggestions with the Queensland Government Employment, Education and Training Committee. CLICK HERE to view the Submission in full.
Jack Nagle, Host of Real Drug Talk recently invited Shane Cuthbert onto the show to share personal stories and lessons learned around drug and alcohol abuse and addictions. CLICK HERE to listen to the Podcast.