Truth-telling inquiry wants Indigenous justice system
The Yoorrook Justice Commission has used its latest report to call for significant changes to Victoria's criminal justice and child protection systems.
Social Issue
Dodgy NDIS claims continue to rise as two men accused
Two Adelaide men are the latest to be accused of trying to defraud the NDIS as the federal minister reveals the number of tip-offs and referrals is increasing.
Rising euthanasia deaths show ‘confidence’ in Vic laws
A rise in Victorians ending their life with voluntary assisted dying shows growing confidence in the scheme, the state's premier says.
Bush maternity decline a red flag for rural health care
Doctors warn the loss of regional maternity services are often followed by the closure of other critical healthcare facilities and pose a problem for everyone.
Rental crisis supercharges discrimination: top advocate
With vacancies at historically low rates across the country, the race to secure a rental is fiercer than ever and it is weighing on vulnerable communities.
Bill to shift Mardi Gras home from ‘laggard to leader’
The champion of significantly LGBTQI-friendly reforms has sought to allay fears from religious communities about restrictions on preaching and prayer.
Final report on SA early childhood education and care
After months of final hearings the final report into early childhood education and care is set to be released, with a focus on extra preschool hours.
MP fighting child abuse charges ‘confessed to wife’
West Australian MP James Hayward sent an email to his wife admitting child abuse before he was charged, his trial has been told.
ABS vows inclusion following human rights complaint
The nation's statistics agency has expressed regret after LGBTQI community members felt invisible and excluded when completing the 2021 census.
Doctor fined $12,000 for assisted dying signature error
Victorian doctor Nick Carr has accepted a $12,000 fine for a clerical error, saying it shows the state's voluntary assisted dying laws are being scrutinised.
Pressure on national cabinet to address renter’s woes
Housing will top the agenda for national cabinet when it meets on Wednesday and government leaders are facing pressure to address a growing rental crisis.
Couple accused of keeping a slave to stand trial
A duo accused of keeping a slave in servitude for ten months have been committed to stand trial in after they pleaded not guilty to three offences.
Homeless services in demand for Australians on the edge
As the cost-of-living crisis pushes more and more Australians to the brink, homelessness has never been a more real threat to so many.
Homeless services need $450m to meet rising demand
The number of people seeking support from homelessness services has soared, with high rents and record-low vacancy rates part of the problem.
Childhood trauma linked to pregnancy complications
Women whose childhoods involved domestic violence, maltreatment or substance abuse at home are more at risk of complications during pregnancy, researchers say.
Site for Victoria’s first sobering-up centre revealed
Victoria's government has revealed key details of its health-based approach to public drunkenness, with a facility to provide a safe place for sobering up.
Labor urged to do more to protect women from violence
As Labor brings in domestic and family violence leave entitlements, the opposition has called for further efforts to tackle the scourge.
Protesters push to make paper homes bricks and mortar
Victorians have called for action on the housing crisis as Queensland sets out a plan for the southeast and NSW contends with a backslide in housing approvals.
Dark web link to childcare worker’s 1623 abuse charges
Police have revealed details of the long, painstaking operation that led to an ex-Gold Coast childcare worker being charged with 1623 offences against children.
Liberals won’t stand in the way of welfare rise: Dutton
Despite the opposition saying the money would be better spent on incentivising work, it won't stand against a rise in benefit payments for welfare recipients.
Charges ‘could still be laid’ over Hillcrest tragedy
A court hearing over document access relating to the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy has been told charges are still being considered.
Say her name: inquiry reminded of women who have died
A public hearing into missing and murdered First Nations women and children across Australia heard from senior NSW police, public servants and advocates.
Homebirths to be introduced at Royal Women’s Hospital
Victoria's publicly funded homebirth program will be expanded to three extra hospitals, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the state government says.
Warning of lingering harm amid rural pediatric squeeze
The children's health charity Royal Far West is warning of worsening complex developmental conditions as families wait years to see specialists.
‘You are going to get tasered,’ cop allegedly told gran
Court documents reveal NSW Constable Kristian White allegedly warned a 95-year-old dementia patient before using a crass term and tasering her.
Senior robodebt bureaucrat suspended from $900k role
A senior bureaucrat found to have misled cabinet over the illegal robodebt scheme has been suspended without pay from her $900,000 a year defence advisory role.
Aussies live longer and prosper but face money worries
Life expectancy and job satisfaction in Australia have improved but a report tracking the nation's wellbeing was less positive on other key measures.
Robodebt victims urge action on royal commission report
The final report of the royal commission into the controversial robodebt scheme is due to be released on Friday.
Robodebt prosecutions loom after ‘gross betrayal’
A royal commission into the unlawful robodebt scheme has recommended senior figures behind it be prosecuted over their roles in the troubled program.
Arrest warrant for ex-little league coach over abuse
Former primary school teacher and little league coach Ray Cosgriff has failed to appear in court to face 26 historical indecent assault charges.
Robodebt report evidence now in hands of crime fighters
Evidence is being considered by federal police and the anti-corruption watchdog following a damning report on the robodebt scheme.