Shay-Lee Laing contributed to the Australian Lawyers Alliance's submission to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee on the Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, and gave evidence on behalf of the ALA at the Committee's public hearing in Cairns. Drawing on her regional practice in Far North Queensland, she told the Committee that the Bill's structure removes an incentive for early resolution that currently benefits victims and witnesses, and that the new bail test may disadvantage children with disability or without stable housing. The Committee is due to table its report on 16 October 2026.
You can read the submission here.
For further coverage of the proposed legislation and the concerns raised during the regional hearings, see the ABC News article and Cairns Post article.
Recently, Melia was a special guest speaker at the Saint Monica’s College NAIDOC Assembly. She shared her journey and the winding road that led her to a successful professional career and encouraged students to embrace challenges, stay resilient and remain open to the opportunities that shape their future.
Endeavour Chambers celebrated 14 years of operation at our annual Halfway There party alongside our briefing solicitors! We thank everyone for joining us on such a spectacular night!
Laura, Melia, Josh, and Shay-Lee kicked up their heels at the FNQLA Carbolic Smoke Ball this year, shown here with some of their wonderful referrer solicitors.
Endeavour Chambers was again proud to sponsor the Coffee Cart at the 2026 NQLA Conference, keeping delegates caffeinated! Laura, Brydie and Shay-lee joined delegates in an informative and enjoyable Conference.
