Two vacancies are now available on the Muslim Legal Network Victoria Board to take on two new exciting portfolios.

Potential Board members should demonstrate the following:
- An active community involvement and appreciation of the diverse range of community values and sensitivities.
- Understanding of MLN values and principles.
- Working knowledge of non for profit community organisations.
- A proven track record in building relationships and working collaboratively.
- Broad knowledge and practical skills in a range of the following areas:
- Ability to work in a team of diverse individuals
- Professional written and oral professional communication
- Attention to detail
- Legal academic background or qualifications are not essential but will be an advantage.
- Punctuality and ability to meet deadlines.
- Energy and Dedication

The MLN Board meets once a month. Members are also involved in various sub-committees, community consultation, MLN information days and a wide range of other commitments.

Selection processes include consideration of the balance of skills, gender and diversity requirements.

Please send any questions and your application (including a resume and cover letter) to muslim.legal.network@gmail.com.

Further details about the jobs and application requirements can be found at http://www.jobs.nsw.gov.au/

“Recent changes to the Oaths Act 1900 (NSW) that take effect from 30 April 2012 set out new requirements in establishing the identity of the deponent, and in the certification wording, for affidavits and statutory declarations.

1. See the face of the person making the declaration or affidavit. If the person is wearing a face covering, the authorised witness must be satisfied that the person has a special justification for not removing it (including a legitimate medical reason). The authorised witness can request that it be removed. A face covering is defined as an item of clothing, helmet, mask or any other thing that is worn by a person and prevents the person’s face from being seen (whether wholly or partly). It is presently unclear what constitutes a ‘special justification’ but this may be later particularised in the Regulations.
2. Have known the person making the declaration or affidavit for at least 12 months or confirm the person’s identity by sighting an original or certified copy of an identification document. An identification document includes a certificate of citizenship, a birth certificate, passport, drivers licence, Medicare card, pensioner concession card, credit card or account, passbook or statement of account from a bank, building society or credit union, a student identity card or an electoral enrolment card.
3. Certify that the authorised witness either saw the face of the person (or did not because of the face covering exemption), has known the person for 12 months or does not know the person but has confirmed the person’s identity and, specifies the identification document relied on in confirming identity.

1. *I saw the face of the person or *I did not see the face of the person because the person was wearing a face covering, but I am satisfied that the person had a special justification for not removing the covering.
2. *I have known the person for at least 12 months or *I have not known the person for at least 12 months, but I have confirmed the person’s identity using an identification document and the document I relied on was [describe identification document relied on].

As you may be aware, there are currently a number of events underway to acknowledge the commencement of the 2012 law term.

The Muslim Legal Network NSW is pleased to announce that for the very first time Muslim legal professionals and law students have the opportunity to take part in an event marking the beginning of the new law term at Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. The event will be hosted by the Mosque in conjunction with the NSW Law Society.

We would be pleased if you would join the Federal Attorney General the Honourable Nicola Roxon MP, Law Society President, Mr Justin Dowd and members of the MLN at the mosque on 9 February 2012.

The event will start at 6pm (sharp) and your arrival shortly before this time would be greatly appreciated.

A light supper will be served.

No RSVP is required but we hope that as many of you as possible will set aside the time to attend inshallah. Not only will this be a memorable and special event but a strong turn out will ensure that this is not simply a one off and will continue for years to come.

The role of Sheikh Haisam Farache in organising this historic event should also be acknowledged and is greatly appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you there inshallah.

Andrew Metcalfe the Secretary to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship was recently quoted as saying:

“While jihadist terrorism remains the most immediate threat to Australia, the
recently tabled ASIO 2010-11 Report to Parliament also identified the threat posed
by a small subculture of racist and national extremists in Australia who adopt anti-Muslim rhetoric and protest against various Muslim interests…
While some Australians find the burka confronting, banning the burka or any other
form of religious dress in Australia would be inconsistent with our principles and
traditions of religious freedom and tolerance”

Please click here for the complete speech.
Wassalaam,

The Muslims Legal Network’s ‘Let’s Talk About The Law’ series of Seminars will be held by our lawyers alongside special guests from law enforcement and government agencies like the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and Victoria Legal Aid.

Our team of presenters will visit local Muslim communities in their masjids and community centres, organisations, University Islamic societies or schools.

Seminars are available on many areas of law, our most common requests being for information on Family Law and Youth Law including the rights of young people, police powers, residential leases, hate crimes and privacy legislation.

The remaining dates for the 2011 seminars are 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th of November 2011.

The seminars are statewide, free of charge and can be tailored to suit the needs or interests of your particular group.

You must let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in co-hosting a seminar with the Muslim Legal Network for your local community by emailing muslim.legal.network@gmail.com your contact details and your interest.

Wassalam,
Admin

Assalaamu Allaikum,

A 16-YEAR-OLD girl has been placed on a nationwide airport watch list to stop her being sent to Lebanon against her will for an arranged marriage.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/court-acts-to-stop-arranged-wedlock-20110929-1kzcw.html#ixzz1ZO7jwnwO

This action taken by the court to stop her parents taking her to Lebanon for an unwanted arranged wedding is a ‘RARE example of forced marriage in Australia, experts believe… Ghena Krayem, a Sydney University PhD candidate, whose research has included interviewing 60 members of the Muslim community, found arranged marriages were a thing of the past as RELIGIOUS LEADERS HAVE LONG TAUGHT THAT IT IS ‘NOT ON”‘.