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
First published on 20 December 2017 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...
No More ‘Secret Confessions’, Cover Ups or Forced Celibacy
Removing the sanctity of the Catholic confessional and making celibacy voluntary are two of the 409 separate recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, as its final report aims to provide a “safer future...
The Modern Slave Trade is Alive and Well
A CNN report about West African migrants being sold in open-air slave markets in Libya sparked outrage around the globe last month. Although, reports about the growing slave trade in the North African country have been emerging since early 2017. Published on...
Marriage Equality is Law, But the Religious Freedoms Debate Continues
It was an historic moment last Thursday, when the marriage equality bill passed through the lower house of parliament, enshrining same-sex marriage in the law. It brought an end to the Howard government’s ban on LGBTIQ marriages, enacted by a 2004 amendment to...
Victims of Crime May Be Given Access to Perpetrators’ Super Funds
Federal Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer, has announced a review of the laws governing superannuation with a view to allowing victims of crime to access the funds of perpetrators. Ms O’Dwyer noted that the rules regarding the early...
Fatigue: The Silent Killer on Our Roads
Charges of negligent driving occasioning death have been brought against a Sydney Uber driver, reminding motorists to check ourselves for fatigue while on the road this summer. The driver will face court in January after allegedly accelerating while a passenger...
Men Imprisoned Over Death of Lynette Daley
Two men have been sentenced to imprisonment over the violent sexual assault and death of 33-year old Lynette Daley. Ms Daley died from injuries sustained during a sexual act committed by her ‘on-again-off-again’ boyfriend, 43-year old Adrian Attwater and his...
Defendant Appeals after Pleading Guilty Due to Incorrect Legal Advice
On the afternoon of 26 May 2015, Brett Ritchie was pulled over by police as he was driving down the Oxley Highway near Wauchope. The officers then arrested him due to outstanding warrants. Whilst standing next to the car, Mr...
