Tax office cracks down on alcohol distiller tax rorts
A tax incentive to help craft distillers is being rorted, the ATO says, costing the budget millions and blurring the line between legal and illicit spirits.
Crime Law and Justice
‘Lovable rogue’ Mick Gatto sues integrity champion
Underworld identity Mick Gatto is suing barrister Geoffrey Watson for defamation over a 60 Minutes interview about the CFMEU.
Hanson’s tobacco tax cut backed as black market thrives
One Nation is pledging to slash the tobacco excise by 75 per cent, which an expert predicts could spark a crackdown on the illicit cigarette trade.
Private prison plan slammed as inmate numbers balloon
With a territory's prison system bursting at the seams, critics argue that plans for a new privately operated facility amounts to admission of defeat on crime.
Swans under investigation over alleged sexual assault
Sydney chief executive Matthew Pavlich says the AFL club is working with relevant authorities over sexual assault allegations involving Swans players.
Report failed to spot alleged killer’s violent history
Reports assessing serial abusers' risk of reoffending do not routinely include expired protection orders taken out against them, an inquest has been told.
‘Appalling’ violence: armed group fires arrow at police
Police have condemned what they have described as an "appalling display of violence" after officers were allegedly confronted by a large group of armed men.
Another state shoots down funding national gun buyback
Another state has rejected the national gun buyback, saying it won't divert money from core services and cost‑of‑living pressures to a federal scheme.
Accused rapist takes the stand to deny girl’s claims
An accused rapist has given evidence in his own trial to deny he had sex with a underage girl without her consent.
Huge swath of land returned to Traditional Owners
A Federal Court ruling has granted Traditional Owners native title for more than 170,000 hectares in northern Australia as part of a decades‑long campaign.
Years-long NACC delays frustrating complainants
The National Anti-Corruption Commission Inspector says many complainants to the federal watchdog have been left flat by long waits to hear back on their cases.
‘How’s ya missus?’: teen girl confronted alleged rapist
A man who denies raping a 16-year-old girl at a regional house party is facing trial in the County Court, with messages between the pair detailed to a jury.
Victims asked to come forward after threatening calls
Police have asked more victims to come forward after a man was accused of targeting women and making sexual threats during thousands of phone calls.
‘Happy to be out’: whistleblower celebrates freedom
A former army lawyer has walked out of jail on parole more than two years into his sentence for stealing secret defence documents.
Premier’s brother ‘relaxed’ in Fiji to dodge inquiry
The brother of a state premier was told to "relax, read a book, gym, beers" while laying low in Fiji to avoid being summoned to answer corruption allegations.
Hundreds of witnesses come forward in Bondi terror case
The huge volume of evidence in the case against Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram now includes statements from a suite of protected witnesses.
‘Motherhood statements’: fear gag order vow falls short
A state government is pledging to stop convicted rapists using suppression orders following the high-profile cases of Tom Silvagni and Ralph Carr.
Lobbyist for developer defends digging up dirt on MP
A corruption inquiry has been told details of a dirt file created about a former state minister which was intended to discredit the MP.
Homicide probe over as ‘body’ found to be lifelike doll
The contents of a dumped suitcase, which initially sparked a murder investigation, have been revealed as a lifelike doll with bruises and grazes.
Talks leave Labor odds-on to win gambling reform stoush
Contentious gambling reforms are on track to pass parliament with bipartisan support, despite fears from opponents the changes don't go far enough.
‘More workers’: simple fix to stop tarmac near-misses
Systematically failing to recruit enough air traffic controllers to cover for sickness and fatigue is being blamed as the leading cause of airport incidents.
‘Fed up’ locals demand change after shop owner’s death
Locals are hoping a local grocery store owner's death following an alleged attack by youths can be a catalyst for change.
‘Should we kill him?’: chilling taunt in e-bike attack
Two youths carrying machetes have taunted their victim, questioning whether to kill him after stealing his $10,000 e-bike, as police search for the culprits.
Teen’s charges upgraded over beloved shop owner’s death
A suburban community has been plunged into mourning following the death of a shop owner as police upgrade charges against a teenage boy.
Fugitive developer offered $100K to Perrottet brother
Controversial property developer Jean Nassif dangled a $100,000 political donation in front of a former premier's brother, phone taps have revealed.
Fifth victim of horror head-on highway crash confirmed
Two cars have collided in a fiery head-on outback highway crash that has left five people dead, sparking an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
Mass stabbing attack sparks mental health policy revamp
A clinician-led response model for people experiencing mental health crises will be rolled out after a man experiencing psychosis went on a stabbing rampage.
‘Screwed’: ex-premier’s brother fumes over factionalism
The brother of a former state premier became obsessive about stacking Liberal Party branches but felt slighted for not being paid for his endeavours.
‘Tragic’: Liberal MP questioned about son at ICAC
A Liberal MP has told an integrity probe that its proceedings have caused him to limit his contact with his son, who has refused to appear before a watchdog.
Betting firms shift blame to parents, other platforms
Children being exposed to gambling advertisements and allegations of predatory inducements have been dismissed by major betting companies.
Escorts, drugs: big-spending gamblers’ inducements
Gambling reform advocates have issued a plea to the government to stamp out the predatory behaviour of major betting companies.