Decades-long fight leads to historic rights recognition
Following a historic native title decision in the Federal Court, traditional owners have the right to control access to their Country.
justice and rights
Protest crackdown creates ‘culture of fear’ on campuses
Academics, staff and students have detailed free speech concerns at Australia's top universities after a crackdown on pro-Palestine encampments.
Elders’ legal bid to save homes, culture coming to end
The Federal Court is due to hand down a decision in the Australian Climate Case, brought by Torres Strait Islander Elders who fear for the future of their home.
Police feature in complaints to territory ombudsman
The use of spit hoods has been defended by a crime-troubled territory's chief minister, amid a soaring number of complaints about police to the ombudsman.
Calls for justice and action on deaths in custody
Calls for justice and reform continue as regional towns and major cities hold vigils marking a national week of action to end Indigenous deaths in custody.
Greens MP turns to OnlyFans to promote sexual health
A Greens MP has joined a subscription-based platform used by adult content creators in an effort to reach voters and promote the minor party's health policies.
Premier attacks as ex-top cop takes ousting to watchdog
A premier has lashed out at a former police deputy commissioner who has referred his axing to the state's anti-corruption watchdog.
Tougher bail regime to harden young crims, critics warn
Tough bail laws will entrench criminal offending and lock away more children, say critics as retailers plead for action following a spike in violent crime.
State doomed to ‘repeat’ deaths with harsher bail laws
Laws to tighten the granting of bail for children and repeat serious offenders have been criticised as knee-jerk by some legal and Aboriginal groups.
Aust-first machete ban more ‘political optics’ than fix
A state government has promised to rapidly roll out an Australian-first machete ban but is copping criticism for its past opposition.
Reflecting on the Freedom Ride’s legacy, 60 years later
As the students who toured regional NSW to shed light on segregation mark 60 years since their bus trip ended, they say the legacy of the Freedom Ride remains.
DNA evidence gap in ‘barbaric’ rape and murder case
A partial DNA profile from a bandana used in one of Australia's most notorious murders does not match the ringleader serving a life sentence, a judge has heard.
Police, spy agencies could access encrypted messages
Right-wing extremism is threatening Australia and tackling the issue could require authorities to gain access to Australians' encrypted messages.
Govt apologises for suffering caused by stolen wages
The suffering and injustice caused to Indigenous people who worked for little or no wages under discriminatory laws has been acknowledged by the government.
Judge to quit after ex-partner assault guilty ruling
A Supreme Court judge will resign after being found guilty of assaulting and emotionally abusing his then-partner and breaching a family violence order.
Gaza crisis warning as Israeli aid agency ban condemned
Australia has joined a chorus of countries including Britain and Canada in condemning Israel's move to ban a Palestinian aid agency it accuses of terror links.
Corruption watchdog under scrutiny over robodebt call
The national anti-corruption commissioner has been found to have engaged in officer misconduct by failing to recuse himself from a conflict of interest.
Healing call as centenary marked at notorious boys home
Stolen Generations survivors are calling for Kinchela Boys Home to become a place of truth-telling and healing on the institution's 100th anniversary.
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.
Still grieving: reflecting on the voice referendum
Grief and hurt are still being felt in First Nations communities one year on from the 2023 voice referendum but many are still fighting for change.
Govt departments face inquiry: ‘160 years of failure’
Queensland government departments have acknowledged policies and practices which impacted Indigenous people, at the state's truth-telling and healing inquiry.
‘Shameful’ theft of Indigenous pay finally to be repaid
A multi-million-dollar settlement has been reached for thousands of Indigenous workers whose wages were stolen over four decades in the Northern Territory.
Frustrated flyers face long wait for fairer aviation
Passengers could be reimbursed for cancelled or delayed flights under a charter of rights for airline travellers, but the measures are some way in the distance.
NT Police boss to apologise to Indigenous community
The Northern Territory Police commissioner will deliver an apology to the Indigenous community for the injustice and harm done by its officers in the past.
NT Police boss apology welcomed as catalyst for change
The NT Police Commissioner's apology to the Indigenous community is a step towards healing and better justice outcomes, the Aboriginal Justice Agency says.
NT Police boss ‘deeply sorry’ to Indigenous community
The Indigenous community has received an apology from the Northern Territory Police commissioner for injustices and harm inflicted by officers in the past.
‘A good idea’ to acknowledge Australia’s history: PM
It's important to acknowledge Australia's history but optimism is needed to move forward, the prime minister says after attending a major Indigenous gathering.
‘Loud and clear’: elder reflects on lifetime of stories
South Australian elders are being celebrated in a new documentary, 'There I was, here I am', featuring the stories of three Aboriginal trailblazers.
‘Profound responsibility’ for new victims’ commissioner
Queensland's first victims' commissioner has been appointed in a bid to combat soaring rates of violence against women.
Assange to be freed after pleading guilty to US charge
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been released from prison and left the UK after reaching a plea deal with US authorities.
Assange to be a free man after guilty plea in US court
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will head home to Australia after making a US plea deal to end his long legal saga over the publication of secret documents.