‘Manosphere’ rise requires new gender equality approach
Gender equality activists have gathered for a landmark conference aimed at charting a new way forward as anti-rights movements gain traction.
justice and rights
‘Lost’ rule opens door to Indigenous sovereignty
A "lost" rule has upended legal precedent, opening the door for Indigenous communities to ask the High Court to rule on sovereignty, fresh research has found.
Pro-Palestine protesters arrested over banned chant
Police have arrested a number of demonstrators who chanted a banned pro-Palestine phrase, which is also used in a John Farnham classic.
Australia ‘going backwards’ on human rights of children
A federal cabinet minister for children has been recommended to a Senate inquiry examining Australia's youth justice and incarceration system.
Impossible to ignore: joy as largest trans flag unfurls
The world's largest trans flag has been unveiled in a moment of joy and pride, in a sign of resistance to policies that have impacted some young people.
Why small business is fighting back against Meta bans
After months of being locked out of her business social media accounts, an Australian hairdresser has finally regained access but she's one of the lucky ones.
‘Barriers remain’ in voluntary assisted dying access
Voluntary assisted dying laws in Australia are largely working as intended, but issues around remote access and obstruction by health facilities remain.
Women judges hold the line against gender justice gap
A small Pacific nation is leading others when it comes to female judiciary representation but disparities around the world affect how justice is delivered.
Family kidnap claims as Iranian soccer players return
As only two members of the Iranian women's soccer team remain in Australia, the local diaspora says families of those seeking asylum are being targeted.
Call to action to close gendered gaps in justice system
International Women's Day is being marked as a call to balance the scales and ensure all women and girls have fair and inclusive access to justice.
Passport law overhaul urged to stop ‘ISIS bride’ cohort
The opposition has called for passports to be refused for Australian women and children in a group with links to former Islamic State fighters.
Prison flagged for those who help ‘ISIS bride’ cohort
Aid groups have hit out at plans by the coalition to jail people found to have helped a cohort of women and children linked to the Islamic State to return home.
Hard reality of reconciliation on apology anniversary
There remains a long way to go for Indigenous reconciliation as racism continues to fester, almost two decades on from the apology to the Stolen Generations.
Australia tarnished by persistent racism, refugee abuse
Australia has again failed to curb refugee abuses and rampant discrimination, including against Indigenous people, in its human rights report card.
Deadly disparity for Indigenous people under restraint
A study of deaths in custody has highlighted a disturbing disparity involving the use of a potentially lethal restraint on Indigenous Australians.
Decades-long wait for land claim decisions called out
More than 40,000 land claims remain unresolved in NSW, but the Aboriginal Land Council will not let them go unnoticed.
Pride and shame: national day leaving many conflicted
There are mixed emotions for many about Australia's national day. For some it means celebration, for others mourning and marking the beginning of colonisation.
Activist vows continued resistance despite protest laws
New curbs on protests in the wake of the Bondi terror attack will not deter activists from rallying in a major city against Indigenous deaths in custody.
Assange files complaint against Nobel winner Machado
Julian Assange has filed a complaint accusing the Nobel Foundation of facilitating "war crimes" by awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing appears in court
The man charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has made his first in-person court appearance as his lawyers push to further limit media access.
UN inspectors again frozen out of Australian prisons
United Nations inspectors have been barred from a crime-troubled territory's prisons and watch houses, raising questions about what authorities have to hide.
‘Disruptive’ bail checks left brothers scared of police
Life was happy for an Aboriginal family until police subjected them to more than 150 bail checks in 20 months, which they say amounted to discrimination.
Aboriginal family alleges racism on referendum day
An Aboriginal family has filed a discrimination claim against the Australian Electoral Commission, alleging they experienced racism on referendum day in 2023.
Victim numbers down under controversial crackdown
Queensland's Liberal National government has toasted its controversial youth crime laws after police data revealed victim numbers fell in 2025.
Better powers urged to help protect Indigenous children
Each state and territory needs an independent commissioner dedicated to Indigenous children, advocates say, urging governments to "be bold".
Matriarchs key to unlocking Aboriginal community change
Aboriginal women have the answers for their communities, and urge deep listening and genuine partnership from those in power to implement change.
No voice, no change: two years on from referendum
Australia voted no to a national voice to parliament on October 14 2023, but two years on, its advocates say they remain steadfast in their mission for change.
Remanding prisoners in custody risks future offending
Prisoner numbers in one state have risen by almost two-thirds in 20 years, with analysis linking the rise directly to people increasingly being held on remand.
Calm urged as prosecutors mull death in custody brief
The family of an Aboriginal man who died in custody has expressed frustration over a months-long investigation into the incident amid calls for calm.
Competing rallies cripple capitals as crowds pour in
Another busy weekend of thousands taking to the streets across capitals in rival demonstrations is testing the limits of freedom of speech and police resources.
‘Extraordinary’: High Court bid over killer’s appeal
A state attorney-general has applied to the High Court to appeal a decision to reduce a juvenile's sentence over the stabbing death of a mother.