Drivers Face Fines for ‘Normal’ Passenger Behaviour
It’s a law you may not know about, but certainly one worth brushing up on. You’re on a long drive and your front seat passenger is relaxing watching a YouTube clip or a movie on a tablet or smart phone....
The Offence of Drug Supply in New South Wales
A South Australian man has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence for selling a range of cannabis-infused products, including fairy-floss, hazelnut spread, lollies and lip balm. 32-year old James Stephen Woodward pleaded guilty in the state’s District Court to...
Mother of ‘Incest Family’ Granted Bail
The 52-year old matriarch of a rural Australian family has been granted bail in the Supreme Court of New South Wales after spending 14 months behind bars. The woman, given the pseudonym ‘Betty Colt’, was arrested in April 2018 and...
Welcome to 1984: The Government’s Relentless Assault on Democracy
Many social commentators have drawn comparisons between George Orwell’s dystopian novel ‘1984’ and the pervasive nature of surveillance in a several modern nations, labelling the book as prophetic rather than emphasising that it is a work of fiction. Orwell’s book...
Law Firm Boss Ordered to Pay for Sexually Harassing Employee
As the Australian legal profession grapples with the issue of bullying and harassment in the workplace, the principal of one NSW law firm has been ordered to pay damages to an employee for ongoing sexual harassment. Ordered to pay damages...
Domestic Violence Murders Double in New South Wales
According to data recently released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the number of domestic violence-related murders in New South Wales has doubled over the past year The statistics also suggest that after years of steady decline,...
Uber Drivers Are Not Employees, rules Fair Work Ombudsman
According to the ATO, “An employee works in your business and is part of your business. A contractor is running their own business.” The characterisation has allowed businesses such as Uber, Air Tasker, Ola, Deliveroo, DiDi and Menulog to deny...
Folau vs Rugby Australia: An Unfair Dismissal?
The lawyers for Australian rugby union player Israel Folau have filed proceedings in the Fair Work Commission, alleging that the basis of their client’s dismissal was unfair. In case you missed the story, the controversy surrounding Mr Folau started several...
When is it Illegal to Use A Vehicle’s Horn?
Regulation 224 of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW) states that a driver must not use, or allow to be used, a horn, or similar warning device, fitted to or in the driver’s vehicle unless: it is necessary to use the horn,...
Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Can Now Sue the Church
The ‘Ellis defence’ once prevented victims of child sexual abuse from suing unincorporated organisations such as the Catholic Church. But as of 1 January 2019, legislation came into effect which requires those organisations to nominate a defendant with sufficient funds...
