NSW: highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody ever recorded in a single year
In 2025, New South Wales has already seen 12 Indigenous people die while in custody, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single year.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan described the milestone as “profoundly distressing,” emphasising that these are not mere statistics but individual lives, and declared that each death “demands independent and careful scrutiny.”
High Court Backs AFP Use of AN0M App in Operation Ironside
The High Court of Australia has upheld the use of encrypted-app evidence collected by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) during Operation Ironside, ruling that messages obtained through the AN0M app were lawfully used and that Parliament’s “confirmation law” validating that evidence is constitutionally sound.
ACT Expands Institutional Liability for Child Sexual Abuse
Disclaimer: This article discusses institutional child sexual abuse. If you or someone you know needs help visit the Bravehearts Support Services page for support or help accessing the National Redress Scheme.
Australia Proposes Expansion of ASIO Interrogation Powers
The federal government is moving to expand ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers. This raises serious concerns about civil liberties and legal protections.
Class Action Alleging Sexual Harassment, Violence & Discrimination by Australian Defence Force
A landmark class action has been filed in the Federal Court of Australia against the Australian Defence Force (ADF), alleging sexual violence, harassment and discrimination against thousands of servicewomen.
Proposed Commonwealth Parole Board: What this means for Federal Prisoners and the Community
The Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025 proposes to move parole decisions for federal offenders from the Attorney-General to an independent board. It’s not yet law — but here’s what it could mean for offenders, victims and families.
NSW Supreme Court rules NSW Police Illegally Strip Searched & assaulted woman
A NSW woman has won $93,000 after the NSW Supreme Court ruled her strip search unlawful.
The Hidden Sexual Assault You May Not Know About: Stealthing
Stealthing — non-consensual condom removal — is a hidden form of sexual assault. Learn your rights, legal options, and how to seek help in Australia.
Federal Court issues fine for deepfake pornography
In a first-of-its-kind case, the Federal Court has ordered a man to pay AUD $343,500 for creating and publishing deepfake pornographic images of prominent Australian women without their consent.
Tasmania Compensation Scheme for Historical LGBTQIA Convictions Explained
Tasmania will compensate people with past LGBTQIA convictions. Learn who is eligible, payment tiers, and whether other Australian states may follow.
New Queensland Law Limits Use of Character References for Sex Offenders
Queensland has changed the law on using good character references in sex offence cases. Here’s what it means for offenders, survivors, and the justice system.
With Courage: takeaways from the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family, & Sexual Violence
In August 2025, the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence handed down its final report, With Courage: South Australia’s vision beyond violence.
Then NSW Police Officer guilty of fabricating evidence; Man wins over $450,000 for wrongful imprisonment
The Supreme Court of NSW has awarded more than $450,000 in damages to Mr. Luke Moore, who was wrongfully jailed for three weeks as a result of a then NSW police officer’s false statement.
ASC rules strip searching female prisoner illegal breach of human rights
The ACT Supreme Court has determined that the human rights of an Aboriginal woman detained at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) were breached when she was subjected to two strip-searches in 2021. These searches were ruled to have violated the ACT Human Rights Act, affirming that even in custody, individual dignity must not be disregarded.
Bans on Working With Children to Be Decided Within 12 Months
The South Australian Government has announced that from next year, decisions on working with children bans must be made within 12 months of a charge being laid.
Justice Delayed: Mr Irving Wins Malicious Prosecution Case, 32 Years On
The Supreme Court of Queensland has awarded $130,000 in damages to Indigenous man Mr Terry Irving, more than three decades after he was first wrongfully charged by police.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Understanding the Law and Support Available
In South Australia, female genital mutilation is a serious criminal offence. The maximum penalty is 7 years in prison.
Court finds Police Used Excessive Force on Aboriginal Man in Wheelchair
Judge Macdonald of the Darwin Magistrates’ Court found that Senior Constable Abbas used “clearly and obviously excessive, unreasonable and unlawful” force when he dragged Aboriginal man Mr Cebu from his wheelchair at the Palmerston markets.
Bullying and Online Safety: Your Legal Options in Australia
Bullying online or in person? Understand your legal options in Australia, from eSafety complaints to civil and criminal remedies.
Human Rights Behind Bars: The Duty to Protect Female Prisoners
Every person in custody retains basic human rights. Chief among them is the right to safety, dignity, and freedom from abuse. The recent $2 million lawsuit brought by Keli Lane against the NSW Government highlights how deeply these rights can be breached when systems fail to protect women behind bars.