Turnbull’s New Secrecy Laws: Prison for Whistleblowers and Journalists
Soon after the marriage equality bill passed through the lower house on December 7, prime minister Malcolm Turnbull introduced a piece of legislation ostensibly aimed at countering espionage, treason and foreign interference. But in reality, the laws have frightening implications for...
Salim Mehajer Accused of Staging Fake Car Crash
31-year old former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has been charged with perverting the course of justice and conspiring to commit insurance fraud for allegedly staging a car crash to avoid a court hearing. Assault hearing Mr Mehajer was charged...
Australia Day: Patriots, Politicians and Changing the Date
The push to change Australia’s national day is gaining momentum, and many feel today will be the last time January 26 will be referred to as Australia day. However, it seems there are some Anglo Australians that still need the...
Government Set to Renew Laws which Remove Civil Liberties
Currently, some of the most extreme Commonwealth counterterrorism laws are under the review of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS). And if recent reports from an executive oversight body are anything to go by, these laws will be...
Police Vow to Hunt Down Criminal Defence Lawyer’s Killer
The gunman who shot 65-year old Bankstown lawyer Ho Ledinh is still on the run, and police are asking for witnesses to come forward, especially anyone with video footage of the incident, including CCTV, shop front, dash cam or mobile...
You’re More Likely to be Killed by a Lawnmower than a Terrorist
For many years now, we have been surrendering our legal safeguards and protections to bolster the powers of the state and enable governments to protect us against terrorists. But recent headlines have sparked debate about whether the benefits of spending...
Dutton Seeks to Undermine Separation of Powers
The Law Institute of Victoria says it is “extremely concerned” about the repeated attacks on the judiciary and legal profession by home affairs minister, Peter Dutton. The Federal Labor party has also chimed in, accusing newly appointed attorney general, Christian...
Former NSW Police Officer Faces Sexual Assault Charges
29-year old Vaughan Hildebrand is facing multiple charges of sexual assault arising from incidents that allegedly occurred during his time as an officer with the NSW Police Force. Hildebrand is charged with 51 criminal offences - including 15 counts of...
‘African Youth Gangs’: The Dangers of Racialised Discourse
Over recent weeks, the mainstream media and Coalition politicians have made claims that gangs of Sudanese youths are responsible for a growing wave of street violence in Victoria. The reports have contributed to the demonisation of the Sudanese community and...
Facing Prison for Providing Free Cannabis Medicine: An Interview with Jenny Hallam
The benefits of medicinal cannabis have been rediscovered over recent years. Clinical trials and research papers have documented evidence that shows cannabis medicines can treat conditions, such as chronic pain, seizures in children with Dravet syndrome and multiple sclerosis. In...
