Controversial cultural heritage laws dumped in backflip
The West Australian government has scrapped controversial laws designed to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage following months of anger among farmers.
crime, law and justice
Family blast murderer who tried to profit from death
Joanne Howell's devastated family have discovered at a pre-sentence court hearing that her killer applied for victim's compensation after the murder.
Man ‘dragged woman out of car then drove dangerously’
Tea Anaru Puohotaua has been jailed after a string of offences including an incident in which he dragged a woman out of a car then drove around dangerously.
Latham says tweet enhanced, not harmed MP’s reputation
Mark Latham has claimed an allegedly defamatory tweet describing graphic acts by Alex Greenwich enhanced rather than hurt the independent MP's reputation.
Lehrmann report sparks sexual assault training for cops
More staff and training over sexual assault are among responses by ACT Police to an inquiry into how the justice system handled a rape investigation.
QLD youth crime climbs, opposition calls for action
Queensland's opposition says the number of "hardcore" repeat youth offenders has doubled in the past two years and the Palaszczuk government must act.
Huge fines on table as tax avoidance crackdown ramps up
Tax advisors and firms could face fines of more than $780 million if they help clients avoid paying tax as part of a Commonwealth push to stamp out misconduct.
ACT’s top prosecutor resigns following inquiry report
Shane Drumgold has resigned from his role as ACT Director of Public Prosecutions but disputes many of the adverse findings made against him.
Lehrmann inquiry reveals poor choices and behaviour
It was appropriate to prosecute a former Liberal staffer over Brittany Higgins' rape allegations but there were missteps in the case, a report has found.
Michelle Bright’s murderer jailed for at least 24 years
Craig Rumsby has been jailed at least 24 years for murdering NSW teenager Michelle Bright and a violent attack on another girl, two decades after the crimes.
Yindjibarndi tell of mine’s ‘devastation’ to country
The native title owners of the site of a large iron ore mine in the WA Pilbara have outlined their case for compensation for spiritual and economic loss.
FIFO worker jailed for five years over mining camp rape
Former BHP employee Ryan John Zabaznow has been jailed for more than five years after a jury found him guilty of raping a workmate at a Pilbara mining camp.
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.
Accused murderer wanted to attend victim’s funeral
A man was advised not to attend the funeral of a former bikie he is now on trial for murdering after the victim's body was found decomposing in a sports car.
Lehrmann inquiry head could face probe over report leak
The ACT government is seeking advice on whether legal action will be taken following the leaking of a high-profile inquiry report.
Rhodes’ mining riches claim has fatal flaw, court told
Billionaire Gina Rinehart's lawyers have started their defence against claims by two prospectors for billion-dollar stakes in a lucrative iron ore project.
Missed chances before police standoff with man: coroner
A coroner's report has detailed missed opportunities for police officers to take out a protection order and confiscate a man's weapons before a 2018 standoff.
Guns seized, hundreds of charges laid in bikie blitz
Almost 2100 police officers joined have forces for the bikie-focused Taskforce Morpheus, ultimately arresting almost 160 people and laying about 700 charges.
Pakistani court hands ex-PM Khan three-year sentence
A court has sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison for illegally selling state gifts, potentially barring him from contesting an upcoming election.
Man shot dead by police at home near Brisbane
An investigation has been launched after a man was shot dead by police at a home near Brisbane.
Pakistan’s Imran Khan sentenced to three years in jail
Police have arrested former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan after a court sentenced him to three years in jail for illegally selling state gifts.
Man stalked neighbours for years on Queensland island
Ralph Eric Dunsmore has been released on parole after stalking or causing property damage to five residents of a small island off Queensland's coast.
Trump pleads not guilty to trying to overturn election
Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges relating to his attempts to have the outcome of the 2020 election rejected.
Body found after fire destroys rural camper trailer
Police are investigating the cause of a fatal camper trailer fire in southeast Queensland, with a body was found inside after fire crews doused the blaze.
Cannabis crops seized as major drug syndicate shut down
Police have seized $60 million worth of drugs after two cannabis plantations were busted in central Queensland as part of a national drug syndicate.
‘Intolerable situation’ in husband’s soup lacing death
A 69-year-old woman who admitted giving her husband an overdose that killed him is able to apply for parole after serving nearly three years in jail.
Mum of slain teen lives with ‘gaping hole’ in her heart
The family of murdered teenager Michelle Bright have confronted her killer in the NSW Supreme Court, calling him a "monster" who tore their lives apart.
Lawyer not guilty of wiping husband’s link to murder
Alev Rojda Oncu has been found not guilty of destroying evidence linking her husband to a murder, sighing in relief as she was dismissed from court.
Stabbed father ‘kept coming’ for man before fatal blows
Warren Toby kept coming for his daughter's partner despite being stabbed before he died on the front yard of a family Christmas gathering, a court has heard.
Accused child abuser faces court from aged care bed
An elderly accused child sexual offender has faced a Melbourne court from an aged care bed in Queensland over the historical abuse of seven boys.
‘Adult store murderer’ to be deported to New Zealand
Convicted killer Tara Gilbert will be sent to New Zealand upon his release from jail after serving 15 years of a life sentence.