South Australia report condemns the use of spit hoods in Adelaide Youth Training Centre

Posted on September 25, 2019September 26, 2019 by Paul G

Details of the widespread use of ‘spit hoods’ in the Adelaide Youth Training Centre have been released today in a report published by the South Australian Ombudsman. The use of spit hoods has been illegal in all other jurisdictions following the Royal Commission and Board of Inquiry into the Protection and Detention of Children in Read more about South Australia report condemns the use of spit hoods in Adelaide Youth Training Centre[…]

Residents of Yirrkala Aboriginal community and Channel Seven head to mediation in defamation case

Posted on September 16, 2019September 16, 2019 by editor

Media Release – 16/09/2019 Members of a Yolgnu community in Arnhem Land will attempt to mediate their defamation and racial discrimination case against Channel Seven later this week. Parties will engage in a mediation conducted by the Honourable Stanley Jones AO QC, former jurist of the Supreme Court, in the remote Aboriginal community of Yirrkala. Read more about Residents of Yirrkala Aboriginal community and Channel Seven head to mediation in defamation case[…]

Police don’t always meet legal criteria for strip-searches, report finds

Posted on August 28, 2019August 30, 2019 by editor

The prevalence of unlawful strip-searches conducted by NSW police is an absolute disgrace. A recent UNSW Law School report has revealed 91% of strip searches were conducted by police who suspected a person of drug possession. Under the law, police can only conduct a strip search if they believe there are serious and urgent grounds Read more about Police don’t always meet legal criteria for strip-searches, report finds[…]

Indigenous woman Naomi Williams “let down” by Australia’s health system

Posted on August 16, 2019August 16, 2019 by editor

The inquest into the death of Naomi Williams, and her unborn child, has highlighted the poor quality and treatment of Indigenous people in Australia’s health system. The inquest, which concluded a couple of weeks ago, sparked several recommendations from a NSW coroner to address the health outcomes of Indigenous people. Deputy State Coroner, Harriet Grahame, Read more about Indigenous woman Naomi Williams “let down” by Australia’s health system[…]

Dog Days Are Not Over

Posted on July 31, 2019July 29, 2019 by editor

With over 17% of drug dog inspections escalating to strip-searches by NSW police, the bark is worse than the bite. Police drug sniffer dogs have drawn renewed criticism after new data revealed an increase of strip searches in New South Wales. Greens MP David Shoebridge said the use of dogs were ineffective in stopping drug Read more about Dog Days Are Not Over[…]

The Roll-Out of Police Drones in Melbourne

Posted on July 29, 2019 by editor

In another step towards a Big Brother state, the Victorian Government will roll out police drones to monitor crowds at major Melbourne events. Following the launch of the state’s first-ever specialist drone unit, the unmanned aircraft will hover over locations deemed “high risk”. These include locations such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Police Inspector Read more about The Roll-Out of Police Drones in Melbourne[…]

Stripped away of their rights, dignity and clothing: The strip search problem targeting young people in NSW

Posted on July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 by editor

The scenario is a simple one. You’ve just finished a long, hard day at work or school and begin your journey home. Suddenly, your normal journey is disrupted by a swarm of NSW Police encircling the train station turnstile you’re about to walk through. Two police officers stop you and subject you to an invasive Read more about Stripped away of their rights, dignity and clothing: The strip search problem targeting young people in NSW[…]

Australian Government Proposes New ‘Big Brother’ World

Posted on July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 by editor

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Black Mirror, you know the possible risks and dangers that could arise from cyber-technology. With unanticipated twists and turns, the popular Netflix sci-fi series highlights the fatal impact of hacks, cyber-attacks, and surveillance cameras. In an age of cloud computing, proxy servers, and encryptions, serious damage and privacy Read more about Australian Government Proposes New ‘Big Brother’ World[…]

Channel 7 Hosed-out in Yirrkala Community Case

Posted on June 13, 2019June 24, 2019 by editor

MEDIA RELEASE – 13/06/2019 On 13 March 2018 on its Sunrise Breakfast program, Channel Seven broadcasted a segment with the title, “Aboriginal Adoption, Proposal for White Families Should Take in Abused Kids”. The segment, headed by host Samantha Armytage, was widely condemned and provoked passionate protests for its lack of Aboriginal voices, the tone of Read more about Channel 7 Hosed-out in Yirrkala Community Case[…]

Serious Corruption Findings Against Prison Guards

Posted on June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 by editor

Six prison officers in New South Wales could face criminal charges after being found to have engaged in serious abuse towards inmates. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) found the six staff members from Lithgow Correctional Centre allegedly participated in corruptive conduct and excessive force on inmates in 2014. In the damning findings, an inmate Read more about Serious Corruption Findings Against Prison Guards[…]