Federal MP Must Surrender Documents About Police Raid on Union
Turnbull Government minister Michaelia Cash has lost her Federal Court bid to block access to “key documents” relating to raids by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on offices of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU). The Western Australian senator’s fight to...
Religious Freedom vs Equal Treatment: A Narrow and Divisive Debate
Just as the Christmas break was about to kick in, Australian treasurer Scott Morrison told Fairfax Media that he’ll been fighting back against discrimination against Christians – as well as other religions – next year. As an example of the...
Police Beef-up Firepower in Time for New Year’s Eve
Military-style M4 semi-automatic rifles have been issued to police officers in time for New Year’s Eve celebrations, and police commissioner Mick Fuller says “we just have to get used to it.” “I don’t want the public to feel confronted, but...
Australian Federal Police Broadcasts Plans to Arrest Suspect
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) recently embarrassed itself when part of a discussion on plans to arrest a suspected North Korean agent were broadcast over social media. The hiccup is the latest in a number of bungles that have plagued...
Emojis Inside the Courtroom
Think the small expressive image at the end of your text or Facebook post is just an adornment? Well the law may think otherwise. Courts have found emojis to be relevant as evidence in a wide range of cases. In fact,...
Helping in an Emergency and Filming Police – Your Responsibilities and Rights
It seems that almost everyone has a smartphone these days, and many are keen to record public encounters with police and even situations where others may be in danger. While such footage can be important in keeping police accountable and...
Criminal Lawyer’s Prison Sentence Confirmed on Appeal
Criminal defence lawyer Stephen Stubbs has lost his appeal for fraud convictions and will spend time in prison. The offences An ACT Supreme Court jury found 64-year old Stubbs guilty last year of 14 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by...
CBA Senior Financial Planner Avoids Prison for Fraud
“It was not a momentary lapse of judgment. It involved 18 clients and it breached his employer’s trust and the clients’ trust”, Queensland magistrate Cathy McLennan remarked when sentencing former CBA senior financial planner Ricky Gillespie for fraud. “It really...
‘Black Pete’ Christmas Tradition Is Dividing the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a tradition of white people dressing up in ‘blackface’ to celebrate Christmas. Black Pete is the character they’re portraying. His costume may also comprise exaggerated red lips, a curly afro wig, and huge gold earrings. At celebrations,...
Semi-Automatic Weapons: Another Step in the Militarisation of NSW Police
As of last Monday, Sydneysiders will have to get used to seeing NSW police officers on city streets carrying military-style assault rifles. The move is just the latest counter terrorism and organised crime measure that’s leading to the ever-increasing militarisation of...
