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Latest news: Laws

Government under fire for 'cherry-picking' crime stats

Government under fire for 'cherry-picking' crime stats

Statistics show "adult crime, adult time" laws are turning the tide on youth offending, a state government says, as it's accused of cherry-picking data.

Long-delayed release of hate speech review thwarted

Long-delayed release of hate speech review thwarted

Long-delayed release of hate speech review thwarted

Long-delayed release of hate speech review thwarted

The results of a probe into hate speech protections for vulnerable communities due to be released by parliamentary order are being kept on the back burner.

Good character evidence ban could create bad sentencing

Good character evidence ban could create bad sentencing

Good character evidence ban could create bad sentencing

Good character evidence ban could create bad sentencing

A law preventing judges considering good character in sentencing is too indiscriminate and invites potential harms, legal experts warn.

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Critics slam 'ham-fisted' plan to crack down on e-bikes

Critics slam 'ham-fisted' plan to crack down on e-bikes

Critics have blasted nationwide moves to clamp down on e‑scooters and e‑bikes through tough legislative reforms, dismissing them as "ham-fisted".

Push for rape counselling notes to be kept under wraps

Push for rape counselling notes to be kept under wraps

Sessions between a victim of sexual assault and their counsellor should be given the same protected status as legal advice in court proceedings, advocates say.

Iran terror guard and Hizb ut-Tahrir symbols banned

Iran terror guard and Hizb ut-Tahrir symbols banned

Laws introduced following the Bondi terror attack are being expanded to ensure symbols of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and an extremist group are banned.

'Bait and bash' laws welcomed but more action wanted

'Bait and bash' laws welcomed but more action wanted

Perpetrators of violence towards the queer community are being put on notice with laws on the books to punish offenders who boast about their crimes online.

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Arrests, charges amid pitch invasion for NRL hero

Arrests, charges amid pitch invasion for NRL hero

Arrests, charges amid pitch invasion for NRL hero

Arrests, charges amid pitch invasion for NRL hero

Two men have been charged with offences by police after thousands of fans flooded the field after the NRL's all try-scoring record was broken in Sydney.

'Police state': hate speech laws arrests spark anger

'Police state': hate speech laws arrests spark anger

'Police state': hate speech laws arrests spark anger

'Police state': hate speech laws arrests spark anger

A government has been accused of overseeing an "authoritarian police state" after the Australia-first arrests of activists for reciting banned slogans.

Iran group's terror listing backed after firebombings

Iran group's terror listing backed after firebombings

Iran group's terror listing backed after firebombings

Iran group's terror listing backed after firebombings

A committee has endorsed listing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism over its role in anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.

Minority groups call for protection under terror laws

Minority groups call for protection under terror laws

Minority groups call for protection under terror laws

Minority groups call for protection under terror laws

Terrorism laws should be applied equally but are instead unfairly used against certain races and religions, the national security watchdog has been told.

Call to action to close gendered gaps in justice system

Call to action to close gendered gaps in justice system

Call to action to close gendered gaps in justice system

Call to action to close gendered gaps in justice system

International Women's Day is being marked as a call to balance the scales and ensure all women and girls have fair and inclusive access to justice.

Anti-Semitism laws banning chants draws mixed reaction

Anti-Semitism laws banning chants draws mixed reaction

Anti-Semitism laws banning chants draws mixed reaction

Anti-Semitism laws banning chants draws mixed reaction

Critics have slammed new laws designed to combat anti-Semitism as overreach, but a last-minute change reduces a minister's extraordinary powers.

Drivers set for cannabis exemption if not impaired

Drivers set for cannabis exemption if not impaired

Drivers set for cannabis exemption if not impaired

Drivers set for cannabis exemption if not impaired

A state government is actively working on legislation that would let drivers get behind the wheel with cannabis in their system if they are not impaired.

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State eyes ways to tame court suppression 'emergency'

A state is seeking advice on suppression order laws after a cross-outlet media complaint over a "tactic" being used to shield defendants.

'Completely separate': CFMEU probe's crime link slammed

An inquiry into corruption in a state's construction industry has publicly targeted a company it claims is linked to underworld figure Mick Gatto.

Corruption watchdog denies CFMEU referral 'run-around'

Delayed notification of a doomed request to probe construction sector corruption has been slammed as a government moves to block "follow the dollar" changes.

Bondi attack anti-protest laws 'limited and necessary'

A government is defending anti-protest laws swiftly implemented after the Bondi Beach massacre which have been slammed as unconstitutional in court.

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Social media ban study to track thousands of families

The internet watchdog has launched a study into 4000 Australian families to determine the impact and effectiveness of the world-first social media ban.

Legal doubts emerge over travel home ban for ISIS bride

Policies designed to deal with families linked to Islamic terrorists could breach the constitution, as politicians clash over how to deal with the issue.

Coffee cups, truck laws leave shoppers with hefty bill

Different laws across Australian states are putting pressure on the retail sector, which wants legislative harmony between jurisdictions.

Big trucks and buses drive a heavy healthcare burden

Premature deaths and childhood asthma are among the health risks of allowing high-polluting heavy vehicles to travel on populated routes.

Family court's 50 year legacy of reform and resilience

Fifty years on, the Family Court’s legacy spans landmark rulings, social change and tragedy, while supporting millions of families through their darkest times.

Tough police powers to target 'hate-promoting' protests

Police will get the power to reject protest applications they believe could promote hate under planned state laws.

Cops slam kids' ankle bracelets as a burden on staffing

Children as young as 10 may be fitted with electronic monitoring devices under new laws, but questions remain over how, or even whether they will be applied.

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