Lay Down the Law

Non-disclosure agreements were designed decades ago as a means to protect trade secrets. Today, they're being overused (and many say abused), and have become an almost de-facto agreement as part of many settlements. From sexual harassment to unfair dismissal and sexual abuse cases, the victim survivors are being legally compelled to stay silent, even among family and close friends. In this episode, Broad Radio’s Jo Stanley is joined by Liberty Sanger and Jessica Dawson-Field from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Professor Julie Macfarlane and Wil Stracke, Assistant Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, to talk through the steps being taken across the board to remove these NDAs from settlements.A Broad Generation production.

What is it about a person that makes them a powerful, effective lawyer who can act for change? And how do they lead their practice with empathy and professionalism? As careers and family are always a balancing act for women, in this episode, Broad Radio's Jo Stanley goes deep with a lawyer who has been tirelessly fighting for those affected by medical negligence. Dimitra Dubrow is a Principal Lawyer and head of Maurice Blackburn’s national medical negligence and dust diseases practices. Based in Melbourne, she is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Personal Injury Specialist and has more than 20 years’ experience in medical malpractice and personal injury claims. A Broad Pods production.

Thanks to the partnership between Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and Mental Health Foundation Australia, this special episode takes a step away from conversations about the law, to explore ways for us to be mentally healthier.For many, the end of year holidays are a time of intense stress and pressure. But there are some in our community who face greater challenges than most. From those living with a chronic illness or disability, to CALD communities, to adolescents, to people who are economically vulnerable, any holiday period can bring isolation, financial pressures, accessibility challenges, as well as the threat of COVID. So what strategies are available to help when holidays are mentally hard? And how can the rest of us be great allies for those who need support?Jo Stanley is joined by Harlin Gandhok, counsellor and multi-cultural MHFA ambassador, and Flic Manning, speaker, wellness expert, chronic illness advocate and also MHFA ambassador.

When an Aboriginal sacred site in the Flinders Ranges, SA, was nominated as a nuclear waste dump, three sisters from the Traditional Owners of that land instantly launched a battle to save this culturally significant area. Adnyamathanha women, Regina and Vivianne McKenzie and Heather Stuart, embarked on a fierce political advocacy campaign, garnering support from all around the world, including partnering with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.Here Broad Radio’s Jo Stanley is joined by two of these incredible sisters – Regina and Heather – who share what this spiritual site means to them, and the steps they took to save it. And Social Justice Senior Associate from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Nicki Lees, explains the legal side to this battle and where the law falls short in protecting Aboriginal heritage. Broad Radio acknowledges Australia always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

In general, women in Australia retire with 42% less superannuation than men. It can mean living their final years in poverty, a devastating result after a life-time of juggling the strains of paid and unpaid work. And it’s because of the inherent inequality of our Superannuation system. In this episode of Lay Down The Law, we learn what disadvantages women face from two lawyers at the forefront of protecting women’s superannuation rights. And we highlight the pitfalls to watch out for, so you can boost your super savings.

In 2001, a security guard working at Melbourne’s Fertility Control Clinic was murdered. It was the catalyst for a 20-year battle to keep women safe, that resulted in Safe Access Zones legislation. In this episode, Broad Radio’s Jo Stanley is joined by the two women who tirelessly lead this campaign – Dr Susie Allanson, clinical psychologist at the Fertility Control Clinic, and Lizzie O’Shea, principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers – as they unpick the myriad steps through courts and parliament that has changed women’s reproductive autonomy in Australia.A Broad Pods production.