Light Up This 420 as the Edifice of Global Cannabis Prohibition Continues to Crumble
Today, 20 April, is 420: a global day when cannabis legalisation advocates mobilise against the ongoing prohibition of the herb. Although, these days, the number of jurisdictions around the planet where this action still holds relevance is dwindling. Pot, weed,...
Aim to Establish First Nations Political Party, as Still No Justice Thirty Years On
“It’s certainly what’s being called for in Meanjin,” said Dr Chelsea Watego, in response to a question put regarding getting rid of prisons and investing in community-based justice solutions. “Sister Ruby talks about justice not being about putting them in...
The Unholy Alliance Between Latham and Berejiklian Endangers Our Diverse Society
NSW One Nation Leader Mark Latham’s 8 May 2019 maiden speech in the NSW Legislative Council begins fairly innocuously. He rattles off the usual belief in “a fair go”, acknowledges the value the upper house has in state parliament, and...
Legalise Cannabis WA Takes Two Upper House Seats: An Interview With MLC Sophia Moermond
In a sign that the global trend towards legalised cannabis markets is likely to hit Australian shores in the not-too-distant future, the Legalise Cannabis WA (LCWA) Party took out two Legislative Council seats in the 13 March Western Australian state...
“A Sword and Not a Shield”: Professor Simon Rice on Latham’s Religious Freedom Laws
That people should not be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs is something that a majority living within our secular society would agree upon. Indeed, persecuting someone because of adherence to a particular faith is akin to discrimination on...
A “Totalitarian Regime With a Sunny Climate”: McBride on Whistleblower Persecution
“I am appalled by what our country has become,” said former ADF lawyer David McBride. “I grew up in the shadow of the Second World War. I believed all that. And my disgust and anger to find that most of...
“They Say Accident, We Say Murder”: 474 First Nations Custodial Death 30 Years On
“This shows how our government facilities and systems will treat you if your skin colour is black,” declared Dunghutti activist Paul Silva at the 10 April Stop All Black Deaths in Custody Rally in Sydney. “They thrive on systematic racism...
NSW Police Rejected Three Opportunities to Take Statement on Porter Accusations
It was all very clear cut. Following former attorney general Christian Porter’s 3 March admission that he was the accussed in an historic rape claim, PM Scott Morrison said there would be no independent investigation, as the allegations were a...
Coalition Prosecutes Those Who Expose Corruption, While the Real Criminals Walk Free
As the prosecutions of prominent whistleblowers are slowly proceeding through the courts in Canberra, a growing number of citizens are questioning why this nation’s authorities persecute and penalise those who expose corruption, while the real criminals are permitted to walk...
Coroner’s Refusal of Inquest Into Child’s Death Is Motivated by Cannabis, Father Claims
Steve Peek had initially been reluctant to treat his daughter, Suli, with medicinal cannabis, in relation to the unidentified drug-resistant form of epilepsy she was suffering from, which caused constant seizures. Yet, as Suli continued to have adverse reactions to...
