Queensland Council for Civil Liberties began with a committee formed by staff from the University of Queensland. They convened a meeting on 20 June 1966 to discuss their concerns with the erosion of civil liberties during demonstrations that year regarding the Vietnam War. After political and sectarian influences (which included name changes) a private meeting was held on 18 October 1966 where a draft constitution was adopted and nine members were elected to a provisional executive committee, of which six were associated with the University of Queensland.
Objectives - To be vigilant in matters affecting the rights and liberties of the individual particularly in Queensland; to advise and assist individuals whose rights or liberties are improperly threatened; to collect information on rights and liberties and to disseminate such information; to raise official standards of vigilance in the protection of individual rights and liberties; to study civil liberty laws and press for forward solutions; to encourage public interest in civil liberties.
Publicists - F.D.O. Fielding, J. Hampson, J.B. Kelly, T.P. O'Gorman, L.R. Smith, L.P. Wyvill. Notes: At the time of the formation of the Council, a dispute about alleged left-wing control led to the temporary formation of a Queensland Association for Civil Liberties. The Council was reformed.
Notes - The Queensland Council for Civil Liberties is a voluntary organization concerned with the protection of individual rights and civil liberties. Their aims are to be vigilant in matters affecting civil liberties and to seek solutions to problems related to civil liberties. Their slogan is: 'Who's watching them while they're watching you?'.

Derek Fielding was James Forsyth Librarian, University of Queensland, 1965-1992, and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic Services, University of Queensland, 1992-1994. He was President of the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, 1975-1979. For a detailed biography see his obituary in Fryer Folios, 9 1: 26-27 in eSpace.