NSW Police ‘Shoot First and Ask Questions Later’
The NSW Police Force Handbook is meant to be the gospel when it comes to policing in our state. It is a comprehensive, 518 page document which provides information, advice and guidance on practically every aspect of policing. The publicly...
A Forgotten Genocide: The Congo Free State
In the last decades of the 19th century, the European colonial powers laid claim to vast tracts of land on the African continent, expanding their spheres of influence and plundering natural resources. It’s commonly referred to today as the Scramble for...
Indigenous Women Unite Against Domestic Violence
Indigenous women are sick and tired of the endemic domestic violence in their communities. Indeed, the statistics paint a horrific picture of the extent of violence against women in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. And that’s exactly what has...
It’s Time to End Violence Against People with Disability
Violence against people with disability is endemic in Australia. It’s an epidemic that until recently has remained hidden. The abuse and neglect of the disabled takes many forms from violence to sexual abuse to the denial of their basic rights....
The Impact of Islamophobia: An Interview with MUIS President Abdulah Hamimi
On Monday, the Islamophobia in Australia report was released by Charles Sturt University. A first-of-its-kind in the world, the study focused on 243 verified incidents reported to the Islamophobia Register of Australia between September 2014 and December 2015. President of the register Mariam Veiszadeh...
Sydney is No Longer the Violent Crime Capital of Australia
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) suggest Melbourne has overtaken Sydney as the violent crime capital of Australia. The 2016 ABS ‘Victims of Crime’ survey suggests Victoria has the highest incidence of crimes against the person, including...
Surf Rage – The Scourge On Our Beaches
Australian beaches can be a dangerous place and, apparently, it’s not just the big fish you have to be wary of if you’re a surfer. A 29-year old is the latest person to be charged over a surf rage incident,...
Are the Boys in Blue Really There to Protect You?
There’s a popular perception in mainstream society that the institution of the police was created to protect and serve the interests of the general population, and that officers on the beat are there to prevent crime and promote the interests of justice....
Aussie Mum May Appeal Sentence for Killing Balinese Policeman
In case you missed the headlines: Sara Connor has been sentenced to four years in prison, while her boyfriend, David Taylor, was handed a six year sentence for killing Balinese police officer Wayan Sudarsa. The Byron Bay mother of two...
Police Want Lockout Laws Across the State
The NSW lockout laws were hailed a success at the end of last year, with data suggesting the clamp-down on bars and nightclubs has reduced violence in the city centre and Kings Cross precinct by as much as 40%. However,...