Journalists withhold information over defamation fears
A survey of Australian journalists shows that just under half have withheld information because of concerns over possible legal action.
laws
Queensland lays groundwork to outlaw coercive control
Queensland has changed the definition of domestic violence to include patterns of behaviour over time ahead of plans to criminalise coercive control.
New laws prep Queensland for coercive control offence
The Queensland government is preparing to introduce a standalone coercive control criminal offence as updated domestic and family violence laws pass parliament.
Parking loophole closed to stop ‘predatory companies’
The Queensland government will close a loophole allowing the release of vehicle registration information to private parking operators.
WA to ban display of Nazi symbols
The display and possession of Nazi symbols is set to be decriminalised in Western Australia, with some exceptions.
Law reform in focus after police shooting
As the government weighs up the implications of the brutal deaths of two Queensland police officers, the federal opposition has likened the attack to terrorism.
Controversial Australia Day rule abandoned
The prime minister denies a decision to scrap rules requiring councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 is part of a plan to change Australia Day.
Higgins speaks about court impact
Brittany Higgins has highlighted the impact the criminal justice system has on people who come forward with sexual assault complaints.
Gender fix for Qld birth certificates
New laws will make it easier for people to have their gender accurately shown on Queensland legal documents without undergoing sexual reassignment surgery.
Territories given euthanasia voting rights
Parliament has repealed laws preventing the ACT and Northern Territory from legislating on voluntary assisted dying.
Qld to review sex offender detention law
A Queensland law allowing the indefinite detention or community supervision of sex offenders after they've served their sentences is set to be reviewed.
Anti-corruption laws pass first hurdle
Laws for a proposed national anti-corruption commission have been passed by parliament's lower house, despite issues raised by crossbenchers.
Worry brews over Qld mine objection review
Environmental groups are concerned that a review of mining objections processes in Queensland could mean a smaller role for the state's Land Court.
First workplace manslaughter charge in Vic
Victoria's work safety regulator has charged a stonemason business director with workplace manslaughter in a first for the state.
Qld mining lobby applauds govt backflip
Proposed Queensland laws will make it easier for communities to object to mines, but existing mines won't be subject to modern environmental rules.
Watchdog seeks Vic election spending cap
In the shadow of the state election, Victoria's integrity watchdog has called for campaign spending to be capped as part of proposed reforms.
Child sex crime duty-of-care reform push
An alleged victim of historical acts of sexual assault will meet with Queensland's Attorney General in a push for reform to ensure a proper police response.
Vic to trial COVID nasal spray treatment
A COVID-19 nasal spray designed to reduce a person's viral load will undergo a six-month clinical trial in Victoria.
Assessing life expectancy uncertain
As euthanasia laws come into affect around Australia, doctors are being given the 'uncertain and imprecise' task of calculating how long a person has to live.
Spike in racism compels national strategy
A spike in attacks on Asian, Jewish, Muslim and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has highlighted the need for a national plan to fight racism.
Star hasn’t paid fines for Qld breaches
Star's interim chief executive can't recall the casino operator paying any fines or being prosecuted for a number of breaches of Queensland laws.
Qld lawyers have no comment on casino laws
The Queensland Law Society says none of its members "expressed any interest" in commenting on proposed laws to crack down on money laundering in casinos.
Qld violent offences scheme ‘needs reform’
A review of the Queensland serious violent offences scheme has found the state's scheme is not fully meeting its objectives.
Qld law changes concern plastic surgeons
Plastic surgeons are concerned about the risk of Queensland's proposed health practitioner laws lifting a blanket national ban on testimonials.
False claims pork barrelling is legal:ICAC
The outgoing ICAC commissioner says "disinformation" about the legality of pork barrelling has been spread by politicians who have a poor grasp of the law.
Qld cabbies using scanners to avoid crooks
Taxi drivers in northern Queensland are using police scanners to avoid joyriders, almost a year into the state government's youth crime crackdown.
NSW attorney-general urges drug law pivot
The approach to tackling drug use in NSW is "clearly not working", according to the state's attorney-general, who is pushing to reform the penalties.
Greens slam Qld casino alcohol rules
The Greens have slammed a Queensland government plan to exempt casinos from new restrictions on venues aimed at preventing alcohol-fuelled violence.
Qld farmers unprotected from CSG sinking
Queensland's coal seam gas regulator has called for laws to regulate land subsidence caused by fossil fuel extraction and to protect farmers impacted.
NSW legalises voluntary assisted dying
Go Gentle Australia founder Andrew Denton says the passage of voluntary assisted dying legislation represents a revolution for end of life care in NSW.
Lib MP ‘unchanged’ on LGBT student stance
Victorian Liberal MP Katie Allen has indicated she will always protect gay and transgender students, as debate on religious discrimination laws resurfaced.