Fair Work Ombudsman Investigation into Domino’s Pizza Franchises

Posted on May 23, 2019 by editor

The exploitation of workers within franchises have been the focus of amendments to workplace laws late last year. Franchisees who fail to comply with workplace laws can be hit with large financial penalties, with franchisors possibly held responsible for any breaches. Domino’s Pizza franchises fail to comply with workplace laws The Fair Work Ombudsman conducted Read more about Fair Work Ombudsman Investigation into Domino’s Pizza Franchises[…]

New drink-driving laws come into effect in NSW today

Posted on May 20, 2019May 22, 2019 by editor

Motorists caught drink-driving or drug-driving on NSW roads will lose their licence under strict new laws that come into effect from today. Any driver, even if they are a first time or low-range offender, will receive an immediate three-month licence suspension and also cop an on-the-spot fine of $561. A low-range reading is considered anything between 0.05% and Read more about New drink-driving laws come into effect in NSW today[…]

Pat Down on Strip-Searches

Posted on May 20, 2019 by editor

With the heavy policing at Sydney’s Midnight Mafia Festival last weekend to the pop-up privacy screens at Central station, people have raised concern over the harsh strip-search laws in New South Wales. The invasive practice of ordering people to remove their clothes in strange private environments appears to be normalised as a general search procedure Read more about Pat Down on Strip-Searches[…]

High-Pitched Sonic Devices Target Young People

Posted on May 16, 2019 by editor

A number of shopping malls and businesses are deploying high-pitched sonic devices to combat what they describe as anti-social behaviour by young people. The so called ‘mosquito devices’ emit high frequencies which can only be heard by people aged 25 or under. Mosquito devices used to deter young people from loitering In 2016, a community Read more about High-Pitched Sonic Devices Target Young People[…]

Children Locked Up in Horror Watch Houses

Posted on May 13, 2019May 13, 2019 by editor

Imagine you are 10 years old. You are sitting on a cold floor in a small cell. You are surrounded by four concrete walls under a mesh roof. There is no sunlight. There is no contact with loved ones. There is no escape. Beside you is a thin mattress with no pillow. The water fountain Read more about Children Locked Up in Horror Watch Houses[…]

Hate Crime Rarely Prosecuted in Australia

Posted on May 8, 2019 by editor

With the recent tragic events of Christchurch and Sri Lanka, some have called hate crime laws into question for their lack of use in Australia. Only 21 people have received convictions for hate crimes, despite the thousands of reported offences involving discrimination across the nation. Disturbingly, a recent study revealed approximately three offences have classifications Read more about Hate Crime Rarely Prosecuted in Australia[…]

Labor Party Aims to Tackle Indigenous Incarceration Crisis

Posted on April 26, 2019April 26, 2019 by editor

The Labor Party has announced it will fund an additional $107 million to cut down the rate of Indigenous incarceration if it wins the next election. The ALP pledges to make jail a ‘last resort’ solution and will focus on justice targets for Indigenous people. This funding package includes $44 million for legal aid, $21.75 Read more about Labor Party Aims to Tackle Indigenous Incarceration Crisis[…]

Lawyer X Saga: Mixing Business With Pleasure

Posted on April 5, 2019April 26, 2019 by editor

The secrets and scandals surrounding Nicola Gobbo, the former criminal barrister turned police informant, have surfaced this week. The first public hearing of the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants included shocking admissions by Victoria Police. These related to professional misconduct and improper interactions with Ms Gobbo. This disgraceful saga of Lawyer X Read more about Lawyer X Saga: Mixing Business With Pleasure[…]

New NT Bill Bolsters Juvenile Injustice

Posted on March 25, 2019April 26, 2019 by editor

The Northern Territory (NT) Government aims to pass new youth justice laws, which contradict, undermine, and go against the damning findings and recommendations from Don Dale Detention Centre. The Royal Commission’s (RC) Report of 2017 found “shocking and systemic failures” over many years in the youth prison system. These are failures which continue to exist, Read more about New NT Bill Bolsters Juvenile Injustice[…]

High Court Clarifies Meaning of Criminal Damage

Posted on March 15, 2019March 18, 2019 by editor

Grajewski v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) [2019] HCA 8 This week, the High Court handed down its majority decision in the matter of Grajewski v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW). As reported last year, O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors represented the appellant, Paul Grajewski, a protestor who harnessed himself to a ship loader at a Read more about High Court Clarifies Meaning of Criminal Damage[…]