Concerns Raised About Youth Court Cells in South Australia
Concerns have been raised about the cells inside Adelaide’s Youth Court by SA's Guardian for Children and Young People Ms. Shona Reid.
Tougher Reporting, Penalties & Monitoring for Child Sex Offenders in SA
South Australia has strengthened its child sex offender laws in 2025 with expanded reporting duties, tougher penalties and stronger police powers.
SA launches Domestic Violence Advisory Network
South Australia has launched a Domestic Violence Advisory Network to inform reforms from the Royal Commission.
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The High Court clarifies how to treat distress evidence in The King v Tsalkos [2025] HCA 49
The High Court of Australia in The King v Tsalkos [2025] HCA 49 has clarified how evidence of a victim’s distress can be treated in criminal trials.
SA’s new “Street Gang” laws
South Australia introduced the Criminal Law Consolidation (Street Gangs) Amendment Act 2025 to give police and courts new tools to target, disrupt and restrict the activities of street gangs that pose a threat to community safety.
Systemic failures in “inhumane” youth detention facility leads to death of indigenous child, says WA Coroner
A WA Coroner has delivered damning findings into the 2023 death of 16 year old Cleveland Dodd, an Indigenous teenager who died while detained in a youth wing of an adult prison.
South Australia expands police search powers for high-risk missing persons
South Australia has enacted the Summary Offences (High Risk Missing Persons) Amendment Act 2025, introducing urgent search powers for police in serious missing persons cases.
December 25’ Update: SA announces $674m Domestic Violence Response to Royal Commission
The South Australian Government has accepted 129 of the 136 recommendations made by Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence either fully, in principle or in part, and committed $674 million over 10 years to wide-ranging legal, policing and court reforms.
SA’s new ‘Street Gangs’ Law
South Australia has just passed new laws aimed at “street gangs” that defence advocates worry will prejudice young people, Indigenous Australians and criminalise social behaviour.
Law proposes to give AFP power to possess, share and use child abuse material
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review into Legal Definition of “Terrorist Act”
The Australian Government has launched an independent review into how the law defines a terrorist act amid concerns about the radicalisation of young people and the rise of new, violent ideologies.
New Laws to Better Protect Children in Workplaces
From 1 July 2025 it is a serious offence for registered child sex offenders to apply for or engage in any type of child-related work, including businesses where children are employed, such as fast food chains or supermarkets.