Clock ticking on state-run lab boss over DNA debacle
A premier has defended his government intervening to "clean up" a state-run forensic testing lab after the emergence of contamination issues.
crime, law and justice
Grandfather pens letter to PM after death in custody
The family of Kumanjayi White, who died in police custody on May 27, have stepped up their calls for justice and an independent probe into his death.
Police arrest three Australians over shooting in Bali
Three Australian men have been arrested on suspicion of murder over the fatal shooting of a fellow national on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.
Rapist appeals life sentence for ‘incredible cruelty’
Appeal judges have raised doubts about whether a man who abused and disfigured a woman should receive a lesser sentence for his decision to call an ambulance.
Optus says yes to record $100m fine for dodgy sales
Optus has agreed to a record fine for "unconscionable" sales to hundreds of consumers, including in remote Indigenous communities its network didn't cover.
Man accused of wife’s murder charged with bail breach
Police have charged a pilot accused of strangling his wife in a "murderous rage" and moving her body to stage a lawnmower accident with breaching bail.
Veteran takes last shot to overturn war crime findings
Disgraced special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has launched a last-ditch bid to overturn findings that he likely engaged in war crimes while on deployment.
Puzzles and jumps: end game in mushroom murder trial
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson's lawyer has urged jurors to find his client not guilty of triple murder, saying prosecutors forced evidence to fit their theory.
Kebab shop shooting continues state’s ‘violent chapter’
An allegedly high-ranking organised crime figure is expected to recover from the latest attempt on his life as police hunt for those behind the brazen attack.
Two arrested over fatal shooting in Bali villa
Two people have been arrested over the shooting of two Australian men in a Bali villa, one of whom died at the scene.
Fate of construction union hangs on High Court ruling
The embattled CFMEU will find out if its bid to overturn its construction division being forced into administration will be accepted by the High Court.
Defence slams ‘absurd’ theories in deadly mushroom case
Mushroom cook Erin Patterson's barrister has criticised the prosecution's "absurd theories" as he lays out his final arguments in her triple-murder trial.
Diddy unlikely to testify at sex trafficking trial
Hopes of Sean "Diddy" Combs testifying at his sex trafficking trial have faded after his lawyer estimated a defence presentation lasting up to five days.
‘Crime talk’ and fear fuel punitive views in the bush
People in rural Australia want tougher penalties for criminals, with "significant" punitive views influenced by fear and a lack of trust in the justice system.
Teen’s bravery hailed after alleged gang rape ordeal
A 14-year-old boy is among a group of teens accused of gang-raping a girl in an "unimaginable" alleged crime.
‘Unacceptable’ wait in caffeine overdose death
A woman was found dead seven hours after calling triple zero, in what a coroner describes as an "acceptable" wait for an ambulance.
Heartbreak as human remains confirmed as missing teen
Police have confirmed a body found in a national park is a missing teenager who was allegedly murdered before she was set to board an interstate flight.
Punishment ‘gone wrong’ claim in toolbox murder trial
A man on trial for murdering two people by helping to force them into a toolbox is accused on the basis of "massive lies" from a witness, a jury has heard.
‘Committed, respected’: tributes flow for slain officer
Police have released the name of a 57-year-old experienced officer who was shot dead at a rural property while delivering a home repossession order.
Toolbox murder accused blame ‘star witness’, each other
A barrister for a man accused of drowning two people in a toolbox has claimed a key prosecution witness has "filthy hands" from his involvement in the murders.
‘Tragedy’: dedicated policeman shot dead at rural house
A police officer shot dead at a rural property while on "routine" duties was a dependable constable of 25 years service.
Diddy juror dismissed despite defence’s concern on race
A judge has dismissed a juror in the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs after suspecting he might have had an agenda.
Mushroom cook did not have a motive for murder: defence
Accused triple killer Erin Patterson's barrister has argued his client is innocent because she never intended to serve her guests a poisoned beef Wellington.
School denies soiled nappies, no access to carer claims
The grandmother of a young girl who suffered spinal and brain injuries in a car crash that killed her mother claims a school is not doing enough to support her.
Backflip on post and boast laws after ‘disturbing’ rise
A rising trend of young thugs gloating about their crimes online has prompted one state's change of heart on a "post and boast" crackdown.
‘Political assassination’ suspect still at large in US
Authorities in Minnesota are searching for a man suspected of killing a Democrat politician and her husband and attacking another.
Push for early learning safety crackdown to go further
Further early learning safety measures are on the agenda amid a safety crackdown affecting mandatory reporting and phone use, as advocates push for more reform.
Manhunt ends with arrest over shooting of US Democrats
The man suspected of the "politically motivated assassination" of two US Democrat figures has been arrested.
Man remains behind bars over torture, abuse of baby
A man is accused of the torture and physical abuse of a seven-week-old baby boy which appeared to be prolonged, in what police say is a deeply confronting case.
Trump vows to expand deporting illegals from US
Donald Trump is directing US authorities to expand deportations in Democratic-run cities, undeterred by widespread protests that have caused chaos.
Mushroom cook accused of ‘four calculated deceptions’
Accused killer Erin Patterson conceived four deceptions before and after a beef Wellington lunch that claimed the lives of three people, prosecutors allege.