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.
justice and rights
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.
ATO whistleblower to face trial after appeal dismissed
The SA Court of Appeal has dismissed tax office whistleblower Richard Boyle's appeal against a decision that he was not protected by whistleblowing laws.
NSW set to apologise for criminalising homosexuality
NSW Premier Chris Minns will use parliament to apologise for the state's former laws that made homosexuality a criminal offence.
Torres Strait Islanders ask court to save island homes
Torres Strait Islander elders have made their final arguments in a case challenging the federal government over climate change action.
Final hearings in landmark climate court case begin
Torres Strait Islander elders fear they will be displaced from their home within the next three decades as the final hearings in a landmark climate case begin.
Qld premier commits to expanding CCC’s reporting powers
The Queensland government will expand the reporting powers of the Crime and Corruption Commission after a commitment from Premier Steven Miles.
Sports move against Australia Day, call for date change
All of Australia's major sporting codes have dropped the use of 'Australia Day' on social media, with clubs and national teams calling for a change of date.
Data monitoring to improve domestic violence reporting
Australians will gain a clearer understanding of the number of women killed by their partners as the government implements a regularly updated dashboard.