Lose the force: call to ban cops from Mardi Gras
A proposal to stop police from marching at Mardi Gras would be a "slap in the face" to LGBTQI officers, a state premier says.
human rights
Pacific envoys gather to tackle visa exploitation risks
Employment Minister Murray Watt is convening a roundtable with Pacific envoys to shore up worker protections in a regional labour mobility scheme.
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.
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.
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.
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.
diplomacy
human rights
international relations
politics
relief and aid organisation
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
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.
diplomacy
economy, business and finance
election
human rights
international (foreign) trade
international relations
politics
restraint of trade
trade dispute
trade policy
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".
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.
diplomacy
foreign aid
genocide
human rights
international law
international relations
politics
relief and aid organisation
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
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.
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.
defence
diplomacy
genocide
human rights
international relations
military equipment
politics
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
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.
diplomacy
human rights
international relations
peace negotiations
politics
unrest, conflicts and war
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
‘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.