Greens MP David Shoebridge, an Exclusive Interview
David Shoebridge took office in the Legislative Council in 2010, since then the Greens MP has been passionate about justice reform. He’s best known as the face behind the popular ‘Sniff Off’ anti-sniffer dog campaign, which has been gathering traction...
Police Morale at an All-Time Low
Recent studies have revealed the extent of the morale problem in police forces around the world. The New York Post recently reported that morale amongst NYPD officers is at an all-time low, registering “2.49 on a scale of 1 to...
New Fines for Cyclists: Fair or Excessive?
With the fine for not wearing one now well over $300, you’d think bike helmets would have quickly become the latest fashion accessory. New fines that came into force about 6 weeks ago have made cycling in New South Wales...
What Happens When You Appear Before a Judge You Called a C*** on Facebook?
Did you hear the one about the Kiwi bloke who said nasty things about a judge on social media only to face the same judge a few days later over unpaid traffic fines? True story It sounds like a pub...
Students Sued Over Criticising University Policy
By Zeb Holmes Three students and two staff members from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and the University itself, could be liable for substantial damages if a case of racial discrimination against them is successful. The proceedings arose in...
Immigration Minister: Judge, Jury and Executioner
The Federal Government is about to start stripping those who they claim are involved in terrorism of their Australian citizenship. At the end of last year, Australia passed controversial legislation which authorises the Immigration Minister to revoke the citizenship of dual...
NSW Government to Scrap Successful Rehabilitation Program
The NSW government has decided to axe a rehabilitation program which has proven to be highly successful in addressing underlying issues and reducing reoffending. The Court Referral of Eligible Defendants into Treatment program (‘CREDIT’) has run on a trial basis...
The War Against Prison Contraband
The photos said it all in The Daily Telegraph’s exposé on the massive haul of contraband recently found in New South Wales correctional facilities: Ice, marijuana, steroids, weapons, tattoo guns, mobile phones and SIM cards, along with more than 8000...
Prison Administrators Fail to Prevent Violence
It is often said that people are sent to prison as punishment, not to be punished. But the rising incidence of injury and illness within prisons across Australia has renewed concerns about how our prisons are being administered. This week,...
Fu@#en Hell! … Can I be fined for swearing?
Police have an enormous amount of discretion when it comes to fining or sending people to court for swearing – as long as: the language would be considered offensive by a ‘reasonable person’, is uttered in a public place (including the...