Browse episodes by:
The abusers hiding their money in super
One of the ways survivors of child sexual abuse or violent crime can seek redress is through compensation. But, at that point, some discover that the perpetrators have hidden their assets - in their superannuation funds, where it can’t be reached. Today, Bri Lee on the loophole being exploited, and why the government has failed to act.
The bill that could end class actions
Class action lawsuits are one of the only ways ordinary people can get justice and compensation if they’ve been mistreated by powerful corporations and institutions. But now, their future is under threat. Today, journalist and lawyer Kieran Pender on the new government legislation that could spell the end of class actions in Australia, and what that would mean for access to justice.
The historic reforms to sexual consent laws
On Tuesday the NSW Parliament passed historic reforms to sexual consent laws. Now, similar laws are being introduced in Victoria, and advocates are calling for national reform. Today, campaigner and contributor to The Saturday Paper Saxon Mullins, on the push to update Australia’s laws around sexual assault, and why it’s taking so long.
The judgement that changed climate law in Australia
In a recent landmark judgement, the federal court has found that the government owes children a duty of care in preventing harm from the impacts of climate change. The case, which centred around the proposed expansion of a NSW coal mine, could have far reaching legal implications in Australia. Today, Kieran Pender on the case that saw a group of teenagers take on the Minister for the Environment.
Cancel culture hits the High Court
Physicist Peter Ridd was fired after he publicly criticised his colleague’s research on the Great Barrier Reef, but what started as an employment dispute has become a test case on climate denial and cancel culture. Today, Kieran Pender on Peter Ridd’s day in court and what the outcome could mean for academic freedom.
What’s next for Christian Porter
Christian Porter’s decision to settle his defamation suit against the ABC is the end of one battle. But the former attorney-general, accused of a historic rape he strenuously denies, is still fighting on at least two other fronts.
Young people v. the Queensland police
Following a series of fatal car accidents, Queensland has announced a major crackdown on youth crime. According to youth advocate Siyavash Doostkhah, policy is being dictated by the police union, emboldened by the tabloid media and both sides of politics.
Robo-debt: the origin of the supervillain
Two long-forgotten High Court cases warned the government that robo-debt might be illegal. Rick Morton on what they knew - and when they knew it.
The teenagers taking on Adani
The controversial Adani coalmine in Queensland has already been approved by both state and federal governments, but a new legal challenge by two teenagers could be one last roll of the dice to stop it from going ahead.
The doctors, the Scientologists, and the journalist
A federal court has been re-examining controversial psychiatric treatments used in a Sydney hospital in the 1960s. The treatments drew the attention of the Church of Scientology, and led to a Royal Commission. Today, Lane Sainty on what happened at Chelmsford, and the journalist caught in the middle 30 years on.
The young Australians suing for climate action
Two Australians have launched court cases in an attempt to radically overhaul the way our government and big corporations are responding to climate change. Today, lawyer Kieran Pender on the story of climate litigation in Australia and what’s at stake.
Dyson Heydon and the misogyny of the law
As allegations mount against former High Court justice Dyson Heydon, Bri Lee has written about the way misogyny and harassment are embedded in the legal profession.
Politics and Dyson Heydon
The harassment allegations against Dyson Heydon have reminded some in Canberra of the royal commission that traded on his “stainless reputation”.
What George Pell knew...
As the final pages of the royal commission into child sexual abuse have been unredacted, it’s become clear what George Pell knew and when.
Meet Australia’s marijuana terrorist
George Dickson is a cannabis law reformer. After an altercation with police, he was also classed as a high risk terrorist offender.
How billions in government spending could be unlawful
In the past year, the government has directed nearly $5 billion to various schemes using a process lawyers say is likely unconstitutional.