Heat on drug-drive laws as study finds cannabis misuse
Reforms that would allow drivers in NSW to get behind the wheel with small amounts of cannabis in their system are facing strong criticism on safety grounds.
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‘Zero tolerance’ in crackdown on drug, drink driving
The Queensland government has announced tougher penalties for high-risk, dangerous, drink and drug driving, including for medical cannabis users.
Beware AI cowboys: warning amid data centre stampede
The race to build data centres could come with a risk: "fly-by-night" operators with little concern for Australia's best interests.
Labor considers landmark human rights law … again
Australia is the only advanced democracy without a human rights act or bill of rights - but Anthony Albanese's government isn't in a hurry to change that.
Double jeopardy: laws to be tested after new DNA found
Prosecutors are seeking to retry a man acquitted of rape after claiming forensic retesting uncovered new evidence following a state's DNA lab debacle.
Tick of approval for upping the volume at iconic venue
Australia's most powerful music aficionado has given the thumbs-up to increasing the volume and crowd capacity at the nation's most famous concert venue.
World-first for drivers who use medicinal cannabis
Thousands of medicinal cannabis users will be able to take the wheel without fear of losing their licence under groundbreaking reforms to drug driving laws.
Hope fades for national gun law reforms after Bondi
Most states have turned their back on nationally consistent gun law reforms spearheaded by the federal government in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre.
Watchdog seeks big penalty after Coles goes ‘Down Down’
The consumer watchdog will be seeking a "significant penalty" to act as a deterrent to Coles and others, after a court found the supermarket misled shoppers.
Aboriginal groups slam proposed child removal powers
Indigenous rights group believe proposed child safety reforms will "deepen an already devastating crisis" and portrays Aboriginal communities as dangerous.
Law loophole lament as accused paramedic stabber held
A man will remain behind bars charged with the attempted murder of a paramedic as politicians commit to changing laws for assaulting emergency workers.
‘Love over evil’: Port Arthur remembered 30 years on
Survivors of the Port Arthur massacre have shared their desire for strong gun control on the 30th anniversary of the horrific shooting.
Constitutional fight looms over banned protest chants
Police have made more arrests under controversial hate speech laws as pro-Palestinian protesters vow to mount a legal challenge after another defiant rally.
Revised donation laws vow after High Court ruling
The High Court has quashed state political donation restrictions in a ruling with wide-reaching implications, though a state government will push for change.
Roblox’s game-changing safety overhaul under scrutiny
The sweeping changes to the controversial gaming platform came after Communications Minister Anika Wells called for an urgent meeting.
Government under fire for ‘cherry-picking’ crime stats
Statistics show "adult crime, adult time" laws are turning the tide on youth offending, a state government says, as it's accused of cherry-picking data.
Critics slam ‘ham-fisted’ plan to crack down on e-bikes
Critics have blasted nationwide moves to clamp down on e‑scooters and e‑bikes through tough legislative reforms, dismissing them as "ham-fisted".
‘Police state’: hate speech laws arrests spark anger
A government has been accused of overseeing an "authoritarian police state" after the Australia-first arrests of activists for reciting banned slogans.
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.
Anti-Semitism laws banning chants draws mixed reaction
Critics have slammed new laws designed to combat anti-Semitism as overreach, but a last-minute change reduces a minister's extraordinary powers.
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laws
‘Completely separate’: CFMEU probe’s crime link slammed
An inquiry into corruption in a state's construction industry has publicly targeted a company it claims is linked to underworld figure Mick Gatto.
Corruption watchdog denies CFMEU referral ‘run-around’
Delayed notification of a doomed request to probe construction sector corruption has been slammed as a government moves to block "follow the dollar" changes.
Bondi attack anti-protest laws ‘limited and necessary’
A government is defending anti-protest laws swiftly implemented after the Bondi Beach massacre which have been slammed as unconstitutional in court.
Coffee cups, truck laws leave shoppers with hefty bill
Different laws across Australian states are putting pressure on the retail sector, which wants legislative harmony between jurisdictions.
Legal doubts emerge over travel home ban for ISIS bride
Policies designed to deal with families linked to Islamic terrorists could breach the constitution, as politicians clash over how to deal with the issue.
Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden
Premature deaths and childhood asthma are among the health risks of allowing high-polluting heavy vehicles to travel on populated routes.
Cops slam kids’ ankle bracelets as a burden on staffing
Children as young as 10 may be fitted with electronic monitoring devices under new laws, but questions remain over how, or even whether they will be applied.
Grooming claims spark Roblox kid-friendly rating review
The communications minister has requested an urgent meeting with controversial gaming host Roblox, while her opponent has labelled her too slow to act.
Laws for nation’s toughest DV murder penalty introduced
A crime-troubled territory is introducing Australia's strongest sentencing laws for domestic violence murders, with a mandatory non-parole period of 25 years.
Unease over bid to police hate speech outside classroom
A move that will make it easier to fire teachers who use hate speech in and out of the classroom, including on social media, has drawn strong reactions.
Victim relief as key sentencing test to be abolished
People convicted of a crime will no longer receive lesser sentences because they are of "good character" in a seismic change to deliver more justice to victims.