Historic treaty a ‘new era’ but remains a long journey
A state's landmark treaty legislation shows other jurisdictions what is possible and charts a path forward on reconciliation, Indigenous leaders say.
Crime Law and Justice
Mother facing jail for deadly neglect ‘atrocity’
A woman charged with criminal neglect over the death of her six-year-old daughter has sobbed and rocked as victim impact statements were read out in court.
‘Cloud’ lingers in DNA contest over notorious murder
An ongoing challenge to DNA evidence in one of Australia's most infamous murders needs to be resolved for the sake of the victim's family, a judge says.
Smoke shops shut down a stone’s throw from health HQ
Two stores allegedly selling illicit tobacco and vape products were operating metres from the offices of health officials attempting to curb the prolific issue.
Tech giants agree to teen ban but give dark warning
The most powerful tech giants will abide by Australia's ban on children under the age of 16 despite arguing it risks undermining confidence in the rules.
Leaders urged not to mess with criminal responsibility
Changing a long-standing youth conviction principle would only lead to future criminal offending, advocates say, following the release of a review.
Fake FBI, CIA, AFP badges prompt impersonation charge
A 50-year-old man is facing court after the seizure of multiple fraudulent law enforcement badges and identity documents.
‘Get on board’: minister’s environment overhaul appeal
Negotiating the passage of major environment reforms through parliament is pulling the federal government in different directions.
Jailed MP loses seat, assets and freedom over thefts
A disgraced ex-Liberal MP has been sent to jail for ripping off a scheme aimed at helping disadvantaged students.
Teen killed by molotov cocktail in neighbourhood row
A 13-year-old boy became the victim of an ugly neighbourhood dispute when a molotov cocktail was thrown into a house where he was having a sleepover.
Chopper ride doesn’t pass pub test, top cop concedes
A state police chief admits "the buck stops with me" after flying interstate on a force helicopter, but denies the travel decision risked public safety.
Coroner’s call to prevent ‘senseless’ youth knife crime
Reliance on law and order in response to escalating youth knife crime will create further harm, a coroner says as she recommends community-based action "now".
Coroner’s vow to bereaved family after death in custody
The family of an Indigenous man who died in police custody has lashed out over the investigation but have been assured an inquest will aim to uncover the truth.
Storm talent hit with death threat in restaurant spat
An NRL star who attempted to intervene in a melee outside a Lebanese restaurant involving his brother has been spared a conviction.
Alleged hitmen ‘tried to lure target then killed wife’
New details have emerged about the vicious murder and kidnapping of an innocent woman after members of an alleged "kill crew" were charged over her death.
Tradie suffocated, shoved in box over $50k ‘drug debt’
A man who duct-taped and assaulted a tradie and hired a "cleaner" to dispose of the body in a creek has been jailed as his co-accused remains on the run.
‘Excruciating’: murderer set wife and stepchild on fire
A man set his wife on fire in front of children, ignoring their pleas for him to stop, and then blamed his dying partner and convinced her to lie to police.
Innocent mum’s murder likely linked to big drug bust
Police are probing possible ties between the murder of a mother in front of her sons, a plot to kill a father on his way to daycare and a global drug syndicate.
Bikie stiffed killer over alleged contract murder
A trial of a bikie accused of masterminding the murder of a rival gang member is underway, with the prosecution detailing how he hired a sniper to do the deed.
‘Wanted to blow holes in him’, bikie murder trial told
A sniper who shot dead a bikie boss has told a trial for the man who allegedly ordered the killing how the accused detailed the way he would like him taken out.
Crypto crackdown targets ATM laundering rackets
Powers to crack down on money laundering schemes linked to cryptocurrency and crypto ATMs could help vulnerable international students.
‘Vicious’ killer slammed and locked up for 25 years
A murderer will spend up to 25 years in prison for his "disturbing" fatal stabbing of a blameless man who was trying to resolve a fight.
New search for boy dropped after police find no trace
A renewed search for a missing four-year-old boy at his family's remote station has been called off after it failed to uncover any evidence on his fate.
Road rage victim’s ashes in court as family speaks
The sister of a young landscaper killed in a road rage attack remains unsure if she will ever forgive the other driver who left her brother for dead.
Ex-Test cricketer’s drug rip-off assailant apologises
A former Test cricketer has received an apology from one of the men who beat him up in a dilapidated shed after two bricks of cocaine were stolen.
Defence lawyers question historical rape DNA evidence
Lawyers for a man accused of raping an elderly woman in the early 1980s have questioned the strength of DNA evidence used to charge him four decades later.
Violent protest clashes cast safety cloud over city
Safety on the streets of a major city has been brought into question by protesters pelting police with rocks and bottles filled with broken glass.
Gunman’s wild, violent crime spree ends in hotel lobby
A man has been arrested and taken away in an ambulance after allegedly walking into a boutique city hotel wielding a gun after a wild police chase.
Council loses millions in scam using ‘AI techniques’
A beachside council says it has lost millions after an international crime syndicate used "social engineering AI techniques", sparking a major investigation.
‘Grey corruption’, ministerial staff conduct unpunished
A former ombudsman is calling for greater accountability of ministerial staffers who engage in misconduct but aren't covered by independent oversight.
Prime minister’s private phone number published online
Government officials have been left scrambling after the personal phone numbers of senior politicians were discovered in an online database.