Catholic Priests Refuse to Report Child Sexual Abuse
South Australian Catholic priests say they will defy a forthcoming state law which will require them to report information received during past or present confessions about child sex abuse. The South Australian Catholic Church has made it clear its members...
Domestic Violence Initiative Fails to Identify Those At-Risk
A recent report has concluded that a key initiative designed to combat domestic violence is failing complainants. The report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) suggests that the Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT), is a...
New Programme Helps Skilled Migrants Obtain Appropriate Work
Since the end of the second world war in 1945, about 7 million people from overseas have settled in Australia, around 18,000 of which are refugees. Many highly skilled workers struggle with language barriers and cultural differences, which can impede...
Australia Accused of War Crimes in Afghanistan
Australian Defence Minister, Marise Payne, has defended Australian soldiers after internal reports suggest they have engaged in the “unsanctioned and illegal application of violence” in Afghanistan. SASR soldiers accused of heinous crimes Disturbing reports have surfaced from inside the Australian...
Should the Public be Able to Elect and Dismiss Judges?
In NSW, magistrates and judges are appointed by the governor in council upon recommendation by the state’s attorney general. They may be considered for appointment by applying for a job vacancy or after being nominated by another party. In the...
Digital Driver Licences are On the Way
The NSW government plans to phase out plastic driver licences and replace them with digital ones, making the new version available on smartphones through the Service NSW app. It says digital licences will work the same way as current ones,...
Victoria Police Officers Faked 250,000 Breath Tests – But Won’t be Punished
The revelations that Victorian police officers who systematically reported fake breath tests will not face disciplinary action is further evidence that officers are being permitted to engage in misconduct without repercussions. The story so far An investigation revealed that in...
CBA Fined $700m, while ANZ to Face Criminal Charges for Alleged Cartel Conduct
It was reported this morning that the Commonwealth Bank has agreed to pay a $700 million fine after admitting to systemic breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. The proposed settlement comes after an investigation by the federal government’s...
Denmark Bans the Burqa and ‘Fake’ Beards
Denmark is not the first country to ban the burqa and niqab. But the new laws, which were passed last week, also include a ban on “fake” facial hair, which has been seen as a convenient way to circumvent rules...
Should People with Criminal Convictions be Allowed to Care for Children?
The sentencing of a man who murdered Tiahleigh Palmer, the 12-year-old girl in his care, has triggered calls for reform in the Queensland foster and child care system, with a view to excluding anyone with a criminal history from being...
