Dennerstein, Lyn --- "In the Pipeline - Lawrence & Crosling v Opus 1" [1987] AboriginalLawB 52; (1987) 1(28) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 11

• In The Pipeline-Lawrence &Amp; Crosling V Opus 1

---

In the Pipeline -

Lawrence & Crosling v Opus 1

This landmark case is currently awaiting a full hearing of the Human Rights Commission in Townsville.

It is alleged that the complainants, Lawrence, a former Manager and Crosling, a former bouncer at the Opus 1 nightclub in Townsville, were instructed by the proprietors of Opus 1 that no more than fifteen black people were to be allowed into the nightclub on any one night. The complainants apparently refused to enforce this discriminatory practice over a period of time including Christmas 1986. During this period they clashed with the proprietors of Opus 1 over whether or not the restriction was to be enforced. Subsequently, they were compelled to resign their positions.

The unusual feature of this case is that solicitors for QLD Aboriginal and Islander Legal Aid Service in Townsville are acting for the claimants, neither of whom are of Aboriginal descent, nor have Aboriginal spouses. According to a spokesman, the Legal Service is determined to take the matter to the highest level to ensure that hotels, nightclubs and other establishments will be prevented from engaging in discriminatory practices.