Media

MEDIA RELEASE Community Hero Shane Cuthbert Recognised Again in 2022 17th December, 2022 Shane Cuthbert recently recieved the following award, acknowledging his ongoing contributions within the Cairns community and his second nomination as Cairns Community Hero.
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MEDIA RELEASE Community Safety and Legal Affairs Advocate Shane Cuthbert Makes Submission to theQueensland Government COmmittee Inquiry Into Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jacks Law) Amendment Bill 2022 16th December, 2022 The primary objective of the Bill is to extend and expand the trial of handheld body scanners, used to detect unlawfully possessed knives beyond the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach safe night precincts (SNPs). Until recently, the Police have been granted powers to use these devices only within these precincts and, for a limited time. The proposed bill intends to extend the temporary use of these devices beyond the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach safe night precincts (SNPs) to include all 15 (SNPs), public transport stations and public transport vehicles such as buses and trains until April 2025.
This proposed bill has been named in honour of Jack Beasley, a 17-year-old victim of a fatal stabbing on the Gold Coast in 2019. Jack’s parents Brett and Belinda have advocated strongly for these changes, successfully implemented temporarily on the Gold Coast since May 2021 resulting in the detection and seizure of more than 200 bladed weapons. CLICK HERE to view the Submission in full.
Community Advocate and Law Student Shane Cuthbert Makes Submission to Inquiry into Police Powers and Responsibilities and Other Legislation Bill 2022 16th December, 2022
The primary objective of the Bill is to strengthen child protection laws by increasing the periods for which an offender is required to report under the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004 and improving the ability of the Queensland Police Service to investigate cybercrimes and offences committed by these types of offenders through the provision of controlled operations and surveillance device warrants available to officers investigating perpetrators of certain criminal offences.
This bill also seeks to enhance the capacity of the Queensland Police Service to investigate organised crime groups by facilitating the use of civilian participants in ‘controlled activities’ and, strengthen the laws deterring ‘hooning’ behaviours by creating additional offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2021 . CLICK HERE to view the Submission in full.
The Community Support and Services Committee tabled Report No. 23, 57th Parliament - Towards a healthier, safer, more just and compassionate Queensland: decriminalising the offences affecting those most vulnerable Monday 31 October 2022. The Community Support and Services Committee reference Mr Cuthbert's lengthy submissions throughout the report and make reccomendations to the Queensland Government in support of these submissions, decriminilising certain public offences. CLICK HERE to view the report in full. CLICK HERE to view Shane Cuthbert's Submission in full. Shane Cuthbert and Councillor Rob Pyne attended the public hearing held in Cairns on the 5th September, 2022. CLICK HERE to view the program and CLICK HERE to read the full transcript.
MEDIA RELEASE Shane Cuthbert Announced as Finalist in CEO Magazine Executive of the Year Awards 21st September, 2022
Shane Cuthbert has this week, been nominated and named finalist in two award categories for his contributions to the Central Queensland University Social Innovation Network and business. Young Executive of the Year and Not-For-Profit Executive of the Year. A full list of nominees and Finalists can be found HERE.
Images Courtesy of Shane Cuthbert
Images Courtesy of Shane Cuthbert
MEDIA RELEASE Community Leader Shane Cuthbert Invited To Discuss Parliamentary Submission On Air (Cairns Local Radio Station 98.1) With Cairns Regional Councillor Brett Olds. 7th September, 2022 On 'This Week' with Brett Olds (Cairns Regional Councillor), Shane Cuthbert discusses the current Inquiry into decriminalizing Anti-Social behaviors in QLD. The State is considering watering down laws that deal with public intoxication, begging & public urination & defecation, which Brett Olds is totally against, but others, including Shane Cuthbert support. Brett delves into what’s it’s all about and tries to find some common ground in an effort to find more positive solutions.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Videos Courtesy of Shane Cuthbert Youtube ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Community Leader Shane Cuthbert and Cairns Regional Councillor Rob Pyne Speak to Parliament Inquiry. 3rd September, 2022 On Monday the 5th September, both Shane Cuthbert and Rob Pyne will appear before the Queensland Governments, Community Support and Services Committee: Inquiry into the Decriminalisation of Certain Public Offences, and Health and Welfare Responses. The Inquiry will hold a regional Hearing in Cairns as the Committee acknowledges the impact any decriminilisation of these offences will have in regional areas and more specifically, Cairns. Shane Cuthbert has made a lengthy submission to the Inquiry and will answer to those submissions with the support of Cairns Councillor Rob Pyne. Both Cuthbert and Pyne support the decriminilisation of these offences. CLICK HERE to view the submission. The Committee was attended by Ms Corrine McMillan MP Member for Mansfield (Chair), Mr Stephen Bennett MP Member for Burnett (Deputy Chair), Mr Michael Berkman MP Member for Maiwar, Dr Mark Robinson MP Member for Oodgeroo and Mr Robert Skelton MP Member for Nicklin. Unfortunately Cynthia Lui MP Member for Cook was unable to attend. Each Parliamentary sitting is broadcast live and recorded however, some regional sittings are not. CLICK HERE to instead read the transcript of proceedings in Cairns.
Photos Courtesy of Shane Cuthbert Instagram ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Shane Cuthbert Submission to the Queensland Human Rights Commission Review of Queensland's Anti-Dsicrimination Act 1991, is tabled in Parliament. 1st September, 2022 Today, the Queensland Human Rights Commission has presented its final report of the review of Queensland's Ant-Discrimination Act 1991 to the Queensland State Parliament. The Report is titled 'building belonging'. As a future legal practitioner Shane Cuthbert has a professional and personal responsibility to protect the rule of law, the integrity of the legal system and the rights of others. Shane Cuthbert was strongly encouraged by members of the Legal Aid Queensland Discrimination team, to share his personal story in a written submission to the Qld Human Rights Commission’s review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) supporting changes that would provide more protections to Australian's. Advocate Shane Cuthbert, recently made submissions in regards to discrimination based on appearance, actual and implied criminal history and is currently advocating for reforms regarding 'Spent Convictions' in Queensland and Australia. CLICK HERE to read Shane Cuthbert's Submission in full.
CLICK HERE to access the full 'Building Belonging' report made available today.
MEDIA RELEASE Cairns Regional Councillor Rob Pyne and Shane Cuthbert discuss the Queensland Government Inquiry into the Decriminilisation of Public Offences 24th August, 2022 Shane Cuthbert and Rob Pyne gathered outside the Cairns Regional Council building today after the General Council Meeting to discuss the Inquiry into Decriminilising some Public Offences, my personal submission to the Inquiry and that of the Cairns Regional Council. The Cairns Regional Council did not support the decriminilisation of these offences and the decision was almost unanimous except for Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne. My submission supports the decriminilisation of these offences, CLICK HERE to read my submission.
I look forward to continuing my work with Rob Pyne creating a safer, greater Cairns
Video Courtesy of Shane Cuthbert.
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MEDIA RELEASE
Suicide Prevention Advocate Shane Cuthbert To Speak At Lifeline 'Out Of The Shadows' World Suicide Prevention Day Event In Cairns 18th August, 2022
Shane Cuthbert has been asked to share his personal story with those attending the Lifeline 'Out of the Shadows' event, taking place on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September, 2022. This yearly walk honours and remembers those that have been lost to suicide and those currently struggling with suicide. As an individual who has faced many challenges throughout his short life, an individual with lived experiences, living with and overcoming mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviours, Shane Cuthbert share his story, his lessons and his hopes for the future. Shane Cuthbert says that 'I am always honoured to be considered as a speaker at any community event however, whenever the topic is centred around such an important and tragic and emotional issue, such as suicide, i feel an overwhelming sense of obligation and responsibility to share my knowledge and experience to honour those that have been affected within our families, friend groups and communities, Suicide does not discriminate'.
Video Courtesy Shane Cuthbert Youtube. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Shane Cuthbert Represents University in Global Entreprenuership and Employability Interchange Challenge 16th August, 2022
Shane's team 'Open Door' took a 50k budget and developed a platform for Australians suffering 'temporary' homelessness. The team defined 'temporary' homelessness as those that were struggling to obtain housing due to reduced housing availability and flooding in NSW. The team decided that those defined as 'long-term homeless', usually suffered from mental health, drug and alcohol abuse and/or other more serious issues that are not easily identified and addressed through our platform, requiring additional support from other local services.
The final pitch centred around a Facebook marketplace, Gumtree, AirBnb style application where home owners with a spare room, caravan owners who only use their vans once a year and even owners of businesses such as office space and gyms, could provide listings for their unused space/toilets/caravans and monetise these assets, while those experiencing temporary homelessness could find themselves a housing alternative. Shane says 'as someone that has personally experienced homelessness throughout my life, it was incredible to be able to steer this project and provide valuable insights into this issue.'
Interchange 2022 Participants ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Social Justice Warrior Shane Cuthbert Attends Whitfield/Edge Hill Citizens Youth Crime Forum 9th August, 2022
As an advocate for the Youth, Justice and Equality as well as a local Cairns resident, Shane Cuthbert attended the Whitfield/Edge Hill Crime Forum to discuss the negative impacts of youth crime in Cairns and to hear from local residents fed up with the Queensland Government, the Police and LNP Member for Burdekin, Shadow Police Minister Dale Last. This event was organised by members of the Cairns community affected by the rising rate of youth crime. When asked what his thoughts were, Shane stated 'I have been advocating for a 24 hour youth centre, here in Cairns for the better half of two years, i have met with many state and community leaders and attended may of these kinds of forums over the last 2 years, youth crime is rising and there is no alternative service, activity or pragram in Cairns operating past 11PM' and 'it beggars belief that there is no service operating when we know from the statistics that crime peaks between 12 and 2AM'. Shane also added 'when you see members of the community out here on a Tuesday night, having organised these forums, it makes you think.. What is the current Government doing about this issue. Cairns MP Michael Healy's office was contacted and his attendence was requested however, the organisers were told by his staff that he was in Brisbane. Michael Healy was not in Brisbane but he was attending another community event held in Cairns.
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MEDIA RELEASE Central Queensland University Student Shane Cuthbert Elected Law Society President 6th August, 2022 The Central Queensland University Law Society held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday and Shane Cuthbert nominated himself for the position of President. Unopposed, Shane Cuthbert was unanimously elected to the positio,n alongside Abhinav Agrawal (Vice-President), Nho Dang (Treasurer), Angela George (Secretary), Bill Alexoploulos (General Committee Member) and Jay Iyer (General Committee Member). Shane Cuthbert says 'I look forward to the next 12 months as President, supporting and, advancing the interests of, and advocating on behalf of all CQU law students, providing a forum that encourages development, networking, and unity between students, faculty, the legal profession and alumni of CQU.'
Central Queensland University Law Society President Shane Cuthbert ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Community Leader Shane Cuthbert Joins Delegation For Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference On Disaster Risk Reduction 5th August, 2022
The APMCDRR 2022 is being hosted by the Australian Government in Brisbane between 19 and 22 September 2022 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. An estimated 3,000 delegates from 40 countries will attend the Event. The theme for the conference is ‘From Crisis to Resilience: Transforming the Asia-Pacific Region’s future through disaster risk reduction.' As a member of the Australian Red Cross, Shane Cuthbert has been invited to attend the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference delegation. The Australian Red Cross is coordinating volunteers who will assist in the running of the event, assisting speakers, delegates and other participants. This is an incredible opportunity for Shane Cuthbert to meet leaders from Asia-Pacific countries and discuss with them, issues surrounding climate change and disaster prevention strategies.
Shane Cuthbert Joins Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference Delegation ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Social Entreprenuer and Philanthropist Shane Cuthbert To Attend Social Enterprise World Forum In Brisbane 4th August, 2022
Central Queensland University Social Innovation Network Treasurer and Community Advocate Shane Cuthbert has been invited to attend the Social Enterprise World Forum, being held in Brisbane September 28-29. Shane Cuthbert says 'i am incredibly lucky to be one of just 15 recipients of the Rural & Remote Bursary, Kindly donated by Hand Heart Pocke, this bursary has contributed towards my accommodation and travel expenses'. Shane Cuthbert would like to extend a huge thankyou to the event organisers and Hand Heart Pocket for providing this incredible opportunity.
Shane Cuthbert Is Attending The Social Enterprise World Forum ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Author Shane Cuthbert Shares Personal Story With The Kennedy Awards Nominated For SD Harvey Award: Short Crime Story 15th July, 2022 Life, Business, Addiction and Relationship Coach Shane Cuthbert has released 20+ self help titles worldwide and is currently in the process of writing his memoirs of his incredible life however, Shane has been working towards completing his 'Australia's Most Evil Husband' title. This non-fiction work depicts Shane's life between 2014 and 2019 and in particular, his marriage to swimsuit model Berenger Rose. Chapter One was this year considered in the Kennedy Awards, SD Harvey short crime story award under the 'non-fiction' category. You can read the Summary here.
True Crime Story 'Australia's Most Evil Husband' Nominated For Award ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Cairns Supreme Court Decision In Shane Cuthbert v ALP Case Heading To Court Of Appeal26th June, 2022
Shane Cuthbert has appealed the decision against the finding against justiciability in his ongoing matter against the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) and its Administrative Committee which includes, newly appointed House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. The Courts decison, Which can be found here has been challenged on the basis that the Supreme Court erred in following the High Court decision of Cameron v Hogan in 1932 and failed to apply the objective test applied by the High Court in the Ermogonous Case. What this means is that the Court of Appeal will be asked to reconsider the Supreme Court judgement. This matter is listed for hearing in the Brisbane Court of Appeal on the 28th October, 2022. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Homelessness Advocate Shane Cuthbert Joins CEO Sleepout 23rd June, 2022 Shane Cuthbert joined the Vinnie's CEO sleepout held on the Cairns Esplanade this year in order to raise funds and awareness surrounding homelessness. Homelessness in Cairns is rising as a result of reduced housing affordability and a lack of investment, funding homeless shelters in and around Cairns. As an advocate for homelessness and as someone who has experienced homelessness as a young person, Shane Cuthbert was invited by event organisers to take the stage and speak at this years event. Shane shared his personal story, his experiences sleeping on the esplanade, the skatepark, Muddy's childrens playground, OzCare and the Quigley street centre. Of the event Shane says 'these events are crucial for raising awareness around social issues such as homelessness' and 'this event is being held in one of the most visible locations in Cairns, i am honoured to be able to share my story and help people understand homelessness in Cairns by adding my face and my voice to this issue.
Cairns CEO Sleepout, 2022 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Former Cairns MP Rob Pyne and Shane Cuthbert discuss Shane Cuthbert's Vision for Cairns 2nd June, 2022 Shane Cuthbert and former Cairns MP Rob Pyne are working together to create a safer, greater, Cairns. Rob Pyne and Shane Cuthbert recently caught up to discuss Shane's vision for Cairns, politics, missed opportunities and some of the things that make Cairns a great place to live and work.
Video Courtesy of Rob Pyne.
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MEDIA RELEASE
Former ALP Member Shane Cuthbert's Action Against Party Decided In The Cairns Supreme Court 26th May, 2022
The Court determined the preliminary issue of Justiciability in the Cairns Supreme Court, ultimately deciding in favour of the ALP finding that, matters concerning the internal decisions and inner working of political parties were not justiciable and that the Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear Shane Cuthbert's matter. 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. In reaching his decision Justice Bradley considered and accepted the public importance of political parties stating 'they have been, to certain extents, the subject of legislation in the Commonwealth Electoral Act and the Electoral Act 1992 (Qld).' However provides further that 'Although questions about the person who holds a particular position with a statutory function or duty may be justiciable, neither Act provides that a registered party’s rules or constitution may be legally enforced. This reasoning goes against that of Baldwin v Everingham [1993] 1 Qd R 10 (followed in several subsequent decisions), where Justice Dowsett distinguished Cameron v Hogan based on the recognition and registration of political parties. Ultimataly concluding that 'following Camenzuli, it must now be accepted that the statutory changes have not put registered political parties in a different position from that which prevailed at the time of Cameron v Hogan in respect of internal disputes.' and further 'Neither the law as it is to be applied by courts nor any statute enacted by Parliament has altered the import of Cameron v Hogan to bring about the situation for which Mr Cuthbert contends.' You can access the full decision here.
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT

24th May 2022 Prime Minister and Australian Labor Party Leader, Anthony Albanese has promised to support a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The National Anti-Corruption Commission will have broad jurisdiction to investigate serious and systemic corruption by Commonwealth ministers, public servants, ministerial advisers, statutory office holders, government agencies and MPs, Keeping government officials accountable. One question still remains... Who will hold political parties accountable?
One individual, Cairns Based Entrepreneur Shane Cuthbert, makes claim he is attempting to do just that. Mr Cuthbert is currently suing the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) over the cancellation of his membership over what he says involved “defamation and discrimination”. The Australian Labor Party this year, rejected claims of ‘bullying’ one of their own, first time Victorian Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching, who sadly passed away in March.
This is not the first time the toxic party’s culture has been exposed, NSW General Secretary Jamie Clements resigned after allegations of sexual harassment were raised by ALP staffer Stefanie Jones in 2016 and Ex-Labor MP Emma Husar just this year, slammed her former party, saying it is ‘toxic and manipulative’ describing Australia’s new PM as a ‘gaslighting narcissist’.
Cuthbert has named 28 members of the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) administrative committee which includes, current Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The case of Cuthbert v State Secretary Julie-Ann Campbell is just one of more than half a dozen cases brought against political parties this year in NSW, VIC, SA and WA including the Camenzuli v Morrison case in NSW, which considered Businessman Matthew Camenzuli’s argument that LNP candidates Ley, Hawke and Zimmerman were not preselected according to the Liberal party’s constitution, and the federal executive acted beyond its powers by appointing former PM Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and LNP President Christine McDiven.
Cuthbert says, “There has never been a better time than right now, to clean up the government and the political parties” before adding, “I joined the ALP because I believed in its core values and treating people fairly, I’m very disappointed things have come to this”.
Lawyers for the ALP executives are relying on the 1934 case Cameron v Hogan, that involved the expulsion of Former Victorian Premier Edward John Hogan from the party, inevitably removing him from that position. In that case, the High Court decided Courts should not involve themselves with internal matters of political parties. Mr Cuthbert has challenged this decision and says the 1934 decision is “bad law” in the wake of recent advances to the rules of contract. Mr Cuthbert says, “Just because my rights were violated by a political party, does not mean I should have less access to justice, than if I was mistreated by anyone else”.
Cuthbert’s case will be heard in the Cairns Supreme Court on Thursday 2:15PM by Justice Bradley, who is expected to make a decision as to the justiciability of the case and whether Mr Cuthbert’s case will continue moving forward. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Cairns Based Law Student, Shane Cuthbert Recognised 12th May, 2022 Shane Cuthbert has been nominated in the student award category. Submissions made to the Australian Law Awards will be judged based on an inidividuals academic achievments and contributions to legal study, work experience, community advocacy and extra curricular activities demonstrating a passion for the law and a strong commitment to the cause of Justice. Shane Cuthbert has actively engaged in law reform and has made submissions to the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce on Coercive Control and the Queensland Human Rights Commission's review of the anti-discrimination laws. As a law student at CQU Shane has been involved in many extra-curricular activities on and off campus. In 2021 Shane became a student mentor, CQU Ambassador and in 2022 Shane was elected as the Treasurer of the Social Innovation Network.
Shane's earlier interactions with the law were not positive and involved penalties and/or punishment although now, Much has changed. Shane recently had the opportunity to meet former Magistrate Pat O'Shane, who had sentenced Shane as a young adult. It was an incredible opportunity for him to discuss his past from a very different place, as a student of, and advocate for the law.
Student Lawyer of the Year Nominee ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE How Queensland Volunteer of the Year Nominee Shane Cuthbert Plans to Solve Cairns Youth Crime 3rd May, 2022
Shane Cuthbert's Change the World Foundation has long advocated for a 24-hour youth centre in Cairns and we have just applied for the Queensland Government’s Community Partnership Innovation Grant! The Queensland Government sought to engage local communities, businesses and organisations to support the trial of new ideas and projects that address youth offending and related issues in the priority areas of Brisbane, Logan, Cairns, Townsville, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the criminal justice system is at an unacceptable level in Cairns. With remand rates rising and community outrage over the youth crime epidemic growing. This program proposes to operate from 9pm until 9am on week nights and 24 hours over the weekend. The program will operate within a functional program space using case management to provide much needed support and address the needs of the child and refer the individual to day time programs. The program will aim to work over the weekends and peak times that criminal activity is noted to spike (12am-2am) with outreach a key component. We have overwhelming support locally from business owners, victims of crime, youth and social services who have expressed a strong interest to support our program through donations, volunteering and advocacy.  Currently, there is no such program available in Cairns. There are no services operating during these crucial times and the needs of the community are not adequately addressed.
Thankyou to all the amazing supporters and volunteers who have signed on recently, this cannot be done without strong community support!
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MEDIA RELEASE Community Philanthropist Shane Cuthbert Recognised 22nd April, 2022 Shane Cuthbert has been recognised for his contributions to community philanthropy this year, currently nominated in for the 'Community Philanthropist of the Year Award' presented by the Queensland Community Foundation. As an author, Shane has successfully published a wide range of titles available as eBooks, audiobooks, hard and soft covers in more than 84 countries worldwide, donating one hundred percent of all eBook proceeds to charity. In early 2020 Shane decided more needed to be done to change the world and decided to take on the mammoth task of writing 17 books, these 17 books that would each correspond to and support, a unique United Nations global goal.
Shane has a considerable social media following and uses his platforms to advocate for others, highlights social issues and educates the community about mental health, the environment, justice and philanthropy.
Community Philanthropist of the Year Nominee ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Community Volunteer Shane Cuthbert Recognised 22nd April, 2022 Shane Cuthbert has been nominated again, for his ongoing contributions to volunteering in Queensland. This is the third nomination in a row for Shane, and his third nomination in the Awards' seven year history. Shane has completed a remarkable amount of volunteer work despite his youth. Shane began volunteering with the RDA (Riding for Disabled) and the Animal Welfare League more than twenty years ago and now, regularly volunteers his time to local organisations in Cairns and supports many causes, actions and fundraising events. Shane Cuthbert currently volunteers regularly with UN volunteers, Domestic Violence Anonymous, the Queensland Care Army, is an Australian Marine Conservation Society 'Reef Leader', an Amnesty International 'Human Rights Defender', a member of the Australian Labor Party Environment Network and a Citizen of the Great Barrier Reef. Other oganisations Shane has volunteered with include, the Salvation Army, Cairns Helpers Helping those in Quarantine, the COUCH Wellness Centre and the Australian Youth Climate Coaltion.
Queensland Volunteer of the Year Nominee ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE Student Leader Shane Cuthbert Recognised 12th April, 2022 Shane Cuthbert has been nominated for the 'Student Leadership Award' in this years Outstanding Leadership awards. In 2021, Shane Cuthbert was invited to represent 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, Child Safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community Leaders in Rockhampton, following community consultations in 2020. Shane was the only law student from CQU involved, his legal advice and research 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 interacting with police. Throughout his time at Central Queensland University as a student of law, Shane Cuthbert has gone above and beyond in order to advocate for those similarly disadvantaged and those in need of additional support, such as children and indigenous peoples in his local community.
Student Leader of the Year Nominee ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

22 March 2022 I can confirm that on the 16th of March, I made an application to the Cairns Supreme Court to have the the court hear my legal matter against the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland). The Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) expelled me from the party on the 6th of December 2021. The letter i recieved from the State Secretary Julie-Ann Campbell was brief and stated only that the Administrative Committee had reviewed its decision to grant my membership and that it would not grant membership, as it was not considered in the best interests of the party. I have attempted on many occasions over the last few months to have this matter settled directly with State Secretary Julie-Ann Campbell however, the State Secretary has avoided the matter, hoping it would go away. The State Secretary has been ignoring my emails, failed to respond to my letters and has not been returning any of my calls. I have explained to the State Secretary in detail, my concerns that this matter could become quite injurious to the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) if exposed publicly and that it should be resolved internally. Yet, the State Secretary has taken no steps to resolve the matter in a favourable way. Instead, State Secretary Julie-Ann Campbell hired a private law firm (Holding Redlich), having them threaten me prior to, the mention of this matter in court on the 11th of March 2021. Despite this and, to be extremely clear, i do still support the Australian Labor Party and the local Federal Leichardt Candidate Elida Faith. This Decision was not made by Elida Faith. I have a great relationship with Elida, i have worked very hard on her campaign and spent a great deal of time with her. I have been to Elida's home, we have introduced ourselves to each others families and i can say that i have nothing but respect for Elida. I worked very, very hard for Elida, knocking on hundreds of doors in the middle of summer and making thousands of calls to Cairns residents on her behalf. I believe Elida will be a great asset to the Division of Leichardt, Cairns and the Far North community advocating hard for families and communities here. The local media wishes to make this application about local politics and create tension between myself and Elida, but there is simply none. I have nothing but total respect for Elida and the whole campaign team here in Cairns. When asked by Frank Russo of Channel 7 News last week whether i would still support Elida and the campaign i confirmed that i would and when asked if i would still support the party again, i said that i would. I am suing the Australian Labor Party for the right to remain a member, and i am suing for my right not to be discriminated against. As an advocate for Human Rights, Justice, Equality, Youth, the Environment and a great deal many other causes and minority groups, i feel as though i have a duty to protect the rights of others and how can i ever expect to advocate on behalf of others effectively, if i cannot stand up for myself and address discrimination where it exists. I am hopeful that the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) reviews and reverses the decision to cancel my membership and allows me to continue supporting them as a member. In the absence of State Secretary Julie-Ann Campbell, legal representatives and/or ALP representatives, the matter progressed and has been listed for a Directions Hearing on the 1st April, 9:15am in the Cairns Supreme Court. Regards, Shane Cuthbert
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEDIA RELEASE Socialist Shane Cuthbert Sues Australian Labor Party 11th March, 2022 Channel 7 News Frank Russo recently spoke with Shane Cuthbert outside the Cairns Supreme Court in relation to his action against the Australian Labor Party. Shane Cuthbert was recently removed from the Australian Labor Party over defamatory material which was posted about him in 2016. This defamatory material has since been removed however the Australian Labor Party has so far refused to reverse their decision to revoke Shane Cuthbert's Australian Labor Party membership.
Video Courtesy of Channel 7 News Cairns.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEDIA RELEASE Law Student Shane Cuthbert Supports Former Disabled MP 4th March, 2022 Rob Pyne truly is the champion of the underdog. Rob Pyne is a former member of parliament and the first permanently disabled MP in Australia. Prior to his election as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, Rob served two terms as a Cairns Regional Councillor. CLICK HERE to learn more about Rob Pyne. Rob Pyne made a public call for legal help in 2021, putting together a legal defence team as he was being sued by the CEO of the Local Government Association of Queensland, Greg Hallam. As a young law student and an advocate for justice, human rights and freedom of speech and expression, Shane Cuthbert reached out to Rob Pyne and offered to support him throughout the lengthy trial. When asked what it was like to be apart of this landmark trial, Cuthbert responded, "To sit at the bar table with Rob has been an honour." CLICK HERE to learn more about the trial.
Video Courtesy of Channel 7 News Cairns.
Local Human Rights Advocate Shane Cuthbert Makes Anti-Discrimination Submission 1st March, 2022 Shane Cuthbert regularly advocates for changes to the laws protecting the rights of others and was recently encouraged to share his personal story with the Qld Human Rights Commission and their review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). CLICK HERE to view the full submission. This report has since been released. CLICK HERE to read the report in full.
MEDIA RELEASE Shane Cuthbert Elected Treasurer of the Central Queensland University Social Innovation Network 31st January, 2022 During the societes inaugral AGM, Shane Cuthbert was elected to the position of treasurer. Shane looks forward to promoting social innovation at CQU, in the local community and across Australia.
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MEDIA RELEASE Cairns Businessman Shane Cuthbert's Complaint against QPS Accepted by the QLD Human Rights Commission 17th January, 2022 The Queensland Human Rights Commission has scheduled mediation between Cairns Local Shane Cuthbert and the Queensland Police Service after the Commission found Cuthbert's complaint contained "possible breaches of the Human Rights Act". Shane Cuthbert made a formal complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission after his arrest and conviction for a public nuisance offence, which occurred in the Cairns CBD early 2021. Shane Cuthbert alledges that the arrest was unlawful and that during the dramatic arrest and later, whilst in custody he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse, placed in a padded cell for 12 hours without food, water or access to a toilet and was subjected to a removal of his clothing in the presence of a female officer. When asked why he made complaints to the Commission, Shane Cuthbert made the following statement, "As an advocate for human rights and equailty, i have a personal duty to advocate for my own personal rights and the rights of others", and "where those rights are disregarded by political parties, government bodies or private employers, i will address those matters". _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cairns Law Student Shane Cuthbert Makes Submission on Coercive Control 16th January, 2022 As an advocate for mental health, justice, equality and domestic violence, Shane Cuthbert provided a submission to The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce’ ‘Coercive Control’ Inquiry. The taskforce is currently working to provide a report to the Attorney-General, outlining how best to legislate against coercive control. CLICK HERE to view the full submission. This report has since been released. CLICK HERE to read the report in full.
Authorised By Shane Cuthbert, 27/102 Hartley Street, Bungalow Copyright © Shane Cuthbert 2024 In the spirit of reconciliation, Shane Cuthbert acknowledges the traditional owners of the land upon which he stands and their connections to land, sea and community. Shane Cuthbert pays respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples.