The Correlation Between Hot Weather and Increased Crime: A Concerning Trend
Hurricane Milton has officially touched down in Florida in the United States, leaving more than 3 million residents without power - and thousands lost, injured, and even presumed dead. Along with the real-time effects of the intense weather event that...
The Criminal Justice System’s Failure to Deal with Mental Health
Positive mental health is important to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which can in turn lead to positive social, economic and physical health outcomes as well as reduce the likelihood of criminal offending. But sadly, mental health issues continue...
Reducing Domestic Violence Offences: Are Governments On the Right Track?
Domestic violence is a topic that people shy away from talking about - but it is a rampant epidemic that is sweeping the entire country. Women, children, and men are suffering at the hands of abusive partners in their households...
Bestiality Investigation Leads to Child Sexual Abuse Charges
In September 2024, the New South Wales State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit began an investigation into the production and distribution of bestiality material in Sydney. Police allege that an online group was uncovered during the...
Police Warn of ‘Blessing Scam’ Targeting Elderly Chinese Women
New South Wales police and Scamwatch are warning of a fraud scheme which primarily targets elderly Chinese women, claiming they and their families are at risk from evil spirits before offering to ‘bless’ them in exchange for money or luxury...
Proof of Stealing or Taking a Motor Vehicle Can Be Elusive for Prosecutors
A recent incident involving five teenagers allegedly stealing a car before crashing into another vehicle two days later and causing serious injuries to one of the occupants of the stolen car has potentially left prosecutors with difficulties in establishing criminal...
Prohibition is Failing to Reduce the Social, Economic and Health Risks of Illicit Drugs
Federal law enforcement agencies are boasting of two “major drug seizures” during a 48 hour “blitz” at Sydney Airport from 21 to 23 September 2024. But drug reform experts assert that such “victories” are merely a pin prick to the...
Harsher Domestic Violence and AVO Laws Enacted in New South Wales
Domestic violence offences continue to be prevalent across Australia, despite a range of initiatives aimed at effecting cultural change and supporting those affected, as well as recently passed laws which make it more difficult for those accused of domestic or...
Consumer Watchdog Takes Action Against Supermarket Giants for False or Misleading Claims
Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths control 67% of the Australian retail grocery market – the highest percentage of any developed nation - giving them the power to unfairly exploit producers and set unreasonably high prices for consumers. One of the...
The Laws, Defences and Penalties for Failing to Lodge a Tax Return in Australia
A Queensland lawyer who charged with five tax offences involving 105 breaches of taxation legislation has been suspended from practising law until 27 February 2026. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal published a judgment on 18 September 2024 which found...