Common Centrelink Fraud Penalties
If Centrelink has overpaid you as a result of a deliberate attempt to obtain payments you weren’t entitled to, you could find yourself facing fraud charges. Offences against federal government organisations such as Centrelink are treated as Commonwealth offences, and...
What Are the Different Assault Charges in NSW?
If you have been charged with assault you could find yourself facing a number of different penalties, from a fine up to long-term imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the alleged offence. Whether you choose to plead...
Proposed Changes to Racial Discrimination Laws
The federal government has proposed a number of changes to the Racial Discrimination Act. One of the draft changes, the amendment of section 18C of the Act, has been the subject of much debate recently. Some sections of the community...
Do I Need a Lawyer to Appear at the ICAC?
A number of recent high profile corruption hearings have raised interest in the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and its public inquiries. While we have seen many media reports about politicians being brought before the ICAC, the fact is anyone who has...
The Role of a Support Person in Court
There are many reasons why you might have to attend court at some point in your life. You might be accused of a crime, be the victim of a crime, or be called as a witness in a criminal matter....
What Are the Laws Governing Prostitution in Sydney?
Unlike many other cities and countries around the world, prostitution in Sydney and NSW is legal, but there are a number of regulations governing the sex industry, and how sex workers operate. What is the minimum age for a sex worker? In...
Should Local Court Hearings be Videotaped? Conviction Appeals and ‘Demeanour’
There is a convincing case to be made for videotaping defended local court hearings. If someone has been tried and convicted in the Local Court, and wants to argue against their conviction, they can lodge an appeal within 28 days...
When can police arrest without a warrant?
Under the current law, in the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act, you can be arrested without a warrant when: If you are in the act of committing a statutory offence; If you have just committed a statutory offence; or If...
The Impact of Court Closures on the Community
The NSW Government announced plans last year to close or reduce the sitting days at a number of small courthouses across the state in an attempt to reduce budget costs. For anyone who has ever visited a courthouse during the week, these...
When Small Matters Turn Into Large Legal Problems
Two recent incidents have cast a spotlight on how small matters can quickly turn into monumental legal issues. A Queensland man caused a hijacking scare on a flight to Bali on Friday after mistaking the cockpit for the toilet, while...
