The Penalties for Possessing Cocaine in NSW
“It’s just a bit of fun, I’m not hurting anyone. Everyone does it. It’s better than getting out of control on alcohol.” Indeed, the use of cocaine - a drug once used in soft drinks like Coca-Cola – is prevalent...
Changes to the 40KM/H “Slow Down, Move Over” Road Rule
As of this Thursday, the year-old New South Wales rule requiring vehicles to slow down to 40 km/h when passing emergency vehicles on the side of the road will be changed. Since 1 September 2018, the “slow down, move over”...
George Pell’s Last Bid for Freedom
Making the deadline by just one day, lawyers for George Pell have filed an application for ‘special leave’ (permission) to appeal to the High Court of Australia, seeking to persuade the court there are legal grounds to hear the appeal...
The Importance of Appearance Inside the Courtroom
It’s your day in court and you’re dressed in your best, looking “sharp as a tack”. Your new slick hairdo and designer suit make for a “social-media-worthy” ensemble – but you’d be forgiven for not wanting to capture the day...
The Lack of Ethnic Diversity in the NSW Magistracy
NSW attorney general Mark Speakman last week announced the appointment of eight new magistrates to the bench of the NSW Local Court. And with six of the new appointees being women, this has now boosted the number of female magistrates...
Dozens Charged with Participating in a Criminal Group
Dozens of people have been arrested and charged by police for participating in a criminal group, many of whom are parents with young children with no prior criminal record. Almost 40 people have been arrested in the Western and South...
Man Sues NSW Police Force for Reputational Damage
Bill Spedding was earning a quiet living as a washing machine repairman based in Bonny Hills on the mid-New South Wales Coast, when his life suddenly changed in 2014. After responding to a work call out, he became a key...
Newcastle Man Arrested Over Terrorist Threats
New South Wales counter-terrorism police have arrested an alleged right-wing extremist from Newcastle for threatening to cause a “mass casualty event” at a mosque. 43-year old Cormac Rothsey was arrested following an investigation by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team,...
The Religious Discrimination Bill: What’s It All About?
The widely publicised case of Israel Folau involved the Rugby superstar having his contract with Rugby Australia terminated for publishing material deemed to be offensive to LGBTI persons and others, in contravention of his employer’s repeated directions. The self-described “devout...
Convicted Child Killer and Child Sexual Offender to be Released
Having served his time and with all legal avenues to keep him in prison exhausted, a convicted child sex offender and child killer will soon be released. New South Wales Attorney General Mark Speakman has been in the midst of...
