Road blocked as Israeli adviser’s charges withdrawn
Dozens of protesters have blocked a busy city thoroughfare as a private prosecution against a former Israeli advisor was struck out in court.
human rights
Crime-hit city businesses embrace youth justice laws
A city reeling from crime backs controversial youth justice laws, saying juvenile offences have contributed to business closures and tarnished its reputation.
Beefed-up hate laws won’t touch religious free pass
With social cohesion under strain, one Australian state is trumpeting tougher hate laws and penalties but will keep exceptions for "genuine" religious beliefs.
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
Human rights commissioner slams new youth crime laws
The Queensland government has been accused of "plumbing the depths" by pushing through laws that will ensure children face harsher penalties for serious crimes.
Migrants, Indigenous people at higher risk of slavery
Modern slavery remains a significant concern in Australia, with those facing barriers to recourse and justice at a heightened risk of exploitation.
Mass deportations ruled out under immigration powers
The immigration minister is defending a suite of powers making it easier to deport people without valid visas following criticism from human rights groups.
Tycoon Lai denies lobbying US on China and Hong Kong
Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai has testified in his landmark national security trial, saying he never asked the US to intervene during the city's 2019 protests.
Cruel twist as ankle bracelet strapped back on refugee
An ankle monitor removed from an Afghan refugee has been reattached by officials despite the High Court ruling such visa measures to be punitive.
Eyes on Trump’s China hawks as Australia quells tension
Tensions between Australia and China continue to cool, but President Xi Jinping has cautioned the diplomatic thaw must be managed "with great care".
Warning Israel’s aid agency ban could be ‘catastrophic’
Israel has violated international law by moving against a key UN aid group, which could result in sanctions from Australia and other nations, an expert says.
Israeli strike kills journalists in southern Lebanon
Journalists have been killed by an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there is urgency for a diplomatic resolution.
Read null about it: privacy changes could bury news
Changes to Australian privacy laws could open an avenue for powerful people to shut down news coverage, a group has told a Senate inquiry.
Death of Hamas boss ‘can be turning point in conflict’
Australian politicians have called for urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza and an end to the war in the middle east after Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Political prisoners concerned by diplomacy red tape
Australians wrongfully detained oversees are decrying being freed only to fall through the cracks back home, citing lack of support for them and their families.
US envoy in ceasefire talks, Israel targets shadow bank
Israel has targeted branches of an alternative banking system run by Hezbollah in Lebanon, which it says the group uses to finance its operations.
MP breaks party ranks on transgender birth certificates
A NSW Liberal MP has broken with ranks and accused her leaders of fearmongering over laws that make it easier for transgender people modify birth certificates.
Australia admonishes Israeli, backs US Gaza aid call
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has condemned the number of civilian deaths in Gaza and backed an American ultimatum to Israel to force an rise in the flow of aid.
Staying put, some Aussies resist calls to flee Lebanon
Australian Zakie Khoury Daou acknowledges the situation in Lebanon remains precarious as missiles rain down but says she doesn't want to uproot her life.
Australia backs Israel-Lebanon 21-day ceasefire plan
Australia has called on Israel and Lebanon to endorse a temporary ceasefire to allow a lasting peace to be negotiated as rocket attacks kill hundreds.
Lebanon ‘can’t become Gaza’ as Australians told to exit
Australians in Lebanon have been told to leave immediately as Foreign Minister Penny Wong urges Israel and Hezbollah to stop a destructive cycle of attacks.
Assange to make first statements since prison release
Julian Assange will give evidence to the committee on legal affairs and human rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on October 1.
Independent housing advisor lashes overseas student cap
A proposed cap on international university students has been torn apart by a federal government advisor, who says it will make no difference to housing supply.
‘No silver bullet’ to solving housing affordability
The head of the federal government's independent housing council says ambitious targets to create new homes should still be made even if they're not met.
Landmark sexuality census question to be trialled
The 2026 census is on track to be the first national count to ask people about their sexuality but there are calls to include more of the LGBTQI community.
‘Kept my child secret’: gay teacher calls for change
A Catholic school teacher who felt forced to quit because of a same-sex relationship is sharing her experience to try and secure stronger legal protections.
Stacks of prison punishments ‘unlawful, unjust’
Tina was awaiting trial when she asked for help with her drug problem. A damning report has found she was instead charged with failing a drug test.
‘Do more’: fury rises over Palestinian refugee ban call
Palestinians are disgusted at a call to blanket ban asylum seekers fleeing the war-torn Gaza Strip from Australia under the guise of national security.
Disability reform chance squandered, say advocates
Claims it is delaying reforms recommended by the disability royal commission have been rejected by the federal government, despite concern from advocates.
PM’s travel warning as war looms in ‘troubling’ region
Australians are being warned to leave Lebanon as the security situation deteriorates while the immigration minister faces calls to help more Palestinians.
human rights
international law
international relations
political systems
politics
unrest, conflicts and war
Payman damns pigeonholing on Palestine after Labor exit
Muslim senator Fatima Payman says people should not assume her religion was the reason she quit Labor over its stance on Palestine.