Youth Crime on the Rise in QLD
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Youth Crime on the Rise in QLD
In Queensland youth crime is on the rise. The figures include an increase in stealing offences, unlawful use of vehicle charges, and property damage. In 2021 the Queensland government imposed a controversial crackdown on youth crimes. Since then, the average number of young person’s held in custody has increased. The crackdown came as a result […]
Road Trauma In Victoria
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Road Trauma In Victoria
Between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning, 5 deaths occurred as a result of collisions and crashes on Victorian Roads. The incidents occurred in Melbourne, Buxton, Flynn, and Geelong. Glen Weir, the Road Policing Assistant Commissioner spoke to the risk the winter period poses in Victoria in relation to traffic accidents. ‘We are entering a high-risk […]
What Happens When Going to Jail for the First Time?
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What Happens When Going to Jail for the First Time?
Are you going to jail for the first time in Australia? Here’s everything you need to know. This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of the interpretation of […]
Inquiry into State-Run Forensics Lab
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Inquiry into State-Run Forensics Lab
An inquiry has been announced after months of the Queensland Government facing questions regarding alleged failures regarding DNA testing at the forensics labs run in the state. Following the death of Shandee Blackburn this inquiry hopes to bring answers to those who have been affected. Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszcuk has noted that the confidence in […]
Millions Worth of Cannabis from Lockyer Valley Seized
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Millions Worth of Cannabis from Lockyer Valley Seized
Five men have been charged with almost two million dollars’ worth of cannabis at two rural Lockyer Valley properties. The men were aged 27, 27, 46, 36, and 21 and were charged with production of a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of anything used in the commission of a crime. The […]
What is Defamation?
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What is Defamation?
Defamation is when a person publishes content that is defamatory to another living person without a lawful reasoning. In order for an individual to produce a successful claim of defamation they must prove that: The material was published, that it can be considered defamatory; and, That there is no legal defence for the material to […]
Highway Murderer Found Guilty
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Highway Murderer Found Guilty
Alex Robert Smart has been found guilty of murdering a father of 5 on a Queensland Highway. The murder of Tylor Bell occurred on Father’s Day in 2019. Mr Bell approached an intersection in Gympie, Queensland where he got into a quarrel with Smart. Smart then exited his vehicle and stabbed Mr Bell in the […]
Police Charge Man With Murder Of 48-year-old Kingston Man
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Police Charge Man With Murder Of 48-year-old Kingston Man
On 15 May 2022, Mr Avzi Ejupi was found dead in his Kingston home by police having suffered significant head injuries. An investigation was launched as the Police were suspicious of the circumstances of Mr Ejupi’s death after discovering his body in the garage of his home. Homicide detectives interviewed several people including a number […]
Step-Father Charged For The Murder of Charlise Mutten
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Step-Father Charged For The Murder of Charlise Mutten
New South Wales Police have charged step-father Justin Stein with the death of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten. Charlise was found dead inside a barrel near the Colo River in the Blue Mountains following a family holiday in January 2022. Charlise lived in Queensland with her grandparents but had travelled to NSW to spend her school holidays […]
NSW Introduces Fines for Selling Nicotine Vape Products
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NSW Introduces Fines for Selling Nicotine Vape Products
A number of hefty fines have now been introduced by NSW to further discourage retailers and others from selling vaping items containing nicotine after a number of young people have been found to have taken up the habit and be in possession of the nicotine products despite the laws which were designed to prevent them […]
What is Probation?
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What is Probation?
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer […]
Man Found Deceased Near 50 Kilograms of Suspected Cocaine in Newcastle
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Man Found Deceased Near 50 Kilograms of Suspected Cocaine in Newcastle
An unidentified diver was found unconscious on the banks of the Hunter River at Newcastle harbour on Monday morning at approximately 9:30am. Paramedics and members of the public couldn’t revive him when he was located. In his immediate vicinity were a number of packages of a white powder which Police suspect to be cocaine. His […]
Gold Coast Crackdown On Knife Crime
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Gold Coast Crackdown On Knife Crime
For the past 12 months Queensland police have been trialling using metal detectors to locate knifes and other weapons carried by individuals in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Since the trial began, 133 concealed weapons have been uncovered leading to the charge of 106 weapon offences. The trial was initiated as a result of a series […]
Investigation Underway After Man Stabbed In Gold Coast Public Bathroom
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Investigation Underway After Man Stabbed In Gold Coast Public Bathroom
A police investigation is underway, and charges have been laid following an incident in a Burleigh Heads public bathroom on Monday morning. It is alleged that at approximately 5:40am on Monday morning the 43-year-old victim has entered into a stall in the public bathroom. He is alleged to have been followed into the stall by […]
Do you agree with the death penalty?
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Do you agree with the death penalty?
Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, a Malaysian national with learning disabilities, convicted of trafficking just 42.7 grammes of heroine in 2010, has been executed in Singapore. In 2009, Mr Dharmalingam, who has an IQ of 69, said he was coerced into trafficking the heroin as a way to pay off his debts. He said the debts were accumulated […]
Ex-School Cleaner In Tasmania Sentenced After Maintaining Four Month Sexual Relationship With 13-Year-Old Boy
Official Suspect Identified In Disappearance Of Madeleine Mccann
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Official Suspect Identified In Disappearance Of Madeleine Mccann
Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 shortly before her fourth birthday. The young child went missing from the Portuguese holiday resort where her family had been vacationing. Her parents had put young Madeleine and her two siblings to bed, shortly before going out to dinner nearby. It was during this time in which she is believed […]
High Number Of Offences Occur Over The Easter Long Weekend
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High Number Of Offences Occur Over The Easter Long Weekend
The Easter long weekend has been and gone and Queensland saw high numbers of tourists grace its borders for their holidays. With the celebrations came the typical increase in Police officers out in force to monitor those celebrating to ensure things stayed in control. Random breath testing stops were put in place in numerous locations […]
Increased Fines for Traffic Offences in Queensland
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Increased Fines for Traffic Offences in Queensland
A number of new changes to the penalties faced by motorists have been announced on Monday 11 April 2022 by the Queensland Government. The changes have come after statistics were released from the offences caught by the new covert cameras in Queensland. In the past four months almost 50,000 fines were handed out to motorists […]
Russia Suspended from the United Nations
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Russia Suspended from the United Nations
Russia has been suspended from the UN Human Rights Council by the United Nations General Assembly. The suspension bars Russia from speaking and voting, although Russian diplomats can still attend debates. There are 193 voting members of the General Assembly. There were 93 votes in favour of the suspension, 24 countries voted no and 58 […]
Hervey Bay Business Dispute Ends in Murder
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Hervey Bay Business Dispute Ends in Murder
A year long alleged business dispute between two men in Hervey Bay has ended in murder. A 62-year-old Urangan man was found with significant injuries to his head at an Urangan business complex at approximately 8:00am on Monday 4 April 2022. The victim has died at the scene from his injuries. Police have arrested the […]
Inquest into Hannah Clarke’s Death has Concluded
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Inquest into Hannah Clarke’s Death has Concluded
The coronial inquest into the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children has come to a close. Ms Clarke and her three children died inside of the family SUV on 19 February 2020. Their tragic deaths occurred as Rowan Baxter, Clarke’s former husband and father of their three children, covered the family car in […]
Horrific Murder of Young Newcastle Mother
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Horrific Murder of Young Newcastle Mother
On Friday 25 March 2022, 21-year-old Mackenzie Anderson was found with multiple stab wounds outside her apartment. The young mother was found on the landing outside her unit after police received reports that her ex-partner Tyrone Thompson had broken into her home whilst armed. Ms Anderson was unable to be saved when Emergency Services arrived […]
Sydney Real Estate Agents Charged in Drug Scheme
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Sydney Real Estate Agents Charged in Drug Scheme
Six people, including three real estate agents, are alleged to have used several rental properties in order to cultivate cannabis. They are further accused of having used the names of various unsuspecting renters to claim Covid rental relief payments. All six accused were arrested on Wednesday. The charges laid vary for each defendant but include […]
What is a Presentence Psychological Report?
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What is a Presentence Psychological Report?
A pre-sentence report is an independent psychological evaluation that is used to assist the court in making informed sentencing decisions. Pre-sentence assessments generally address the following areas: Background of defendant, and any personal underlaying psychological issues that may have led to the offending; Psychometric testing (a way to measure mental ability and behavioural style); Investigation […]
Two Floating Bodies Found in Kingaroy Dam in Southeast Queensland
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Two Floating Bodies Found in Kingaroy Dam in Southeast Queensland
At approximately 3:30pm on Saturday a kayaker made a horrifying discovery while kayaking at Gordonbrook Dam. The kayaker found two bodies floating approximately five metres from shore. The bodies were bound together and are alleged to have been there for some time. During Saturday night emergency services recovered the remains of the two from the […]
Will I Lose My Job For Drink Driving?
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Will I Lose My Job For Drink Driving?
A regular question that many people charged with drink driving ask is, “Will I lose my job for drink driving?”. The fact is, one of the most common traffic offences in Australia is the offence of drink driving. Since it is a criminal offence, if a person gets convicted for drink driving, it goes onto […]
Trial Dismissed After Juror Conducted Home Experiments
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Trial Dismissed After Juror Conducted Home Experiments
The Public Trustee is a socially and fiscally responsive Statutory Authority that is designed to help to make decisions that enhance the dignity, rights and interests of Queenslanders. The Public Trustee is governed by the Trustee Act 1978. The Public Trustee is self-funded – meaning it does not receive any financial support or funding from […]
What is The Public Trustee?
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What is The Public Trustee?
The Public Trustee is a socially and fiscally responsive Statutory Authority that is designed to help to make decisions that enhance the dignity, rights and interests of Queenslanders. The Public Trustee is governed by the Trustee Act 1978. The Public Trustee is self-funded – meaning it does not receive any financial support or funding from […]
Uber Driver In Melbourne Victim Of Attempted Armed Robbery
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Uber Driver In Melbourne Victim Of Attempted Armed Robbery
A Melbourne UBER driver is in hospital following an attempted armed robbery which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning sometime after 3:30am. Mr Hassan Ahmed was one of the victims of multiple unrelated violent incidents which occurred in Melbourne over the weekend. He is recovering after being stabbed seven times and bashed by […]
Logan Man Dies in Suspicious Home Fire
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Logan Man Dies in Suspicious Home Fire
A 33 year old Logan man has died as a result of critical burns suffered to 90% of his body. It is believed the house fire which resulted in Stanley Obi’s death was set by his former partner, Sarah Mudge. She is thought to have broken into the home before allegedly committing arson. Superintendent Mark […]
Five Year Suspended Sentence Given To Terminally Ill Grandmother Convicted Of Drug Trafficking
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Five Year Suspended Sentence Given To Terminally Ill Grandmother Convicted Of Drug Trafficking
In the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday 7 March 2022, a Queensland grandmother plead guilty to drug trafficking charges. 62-year-old Sandra Castle was charged following a six month period of trafficking dangerous drugs including methamphetamine, cannabis and Oxycontin from her home. Ms Castle was running the operation along side her daughter and her partner, before […]
NRL Player to Face Third Sexual Assault Trial
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NRL Player to Face Third Sexual Assault Trial
Jarryd Hayne, former Parramatta Eels player is set to face his third sexual assault trial. Hayne is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in 2018, following the NRL grand final. He now faces two counts of aggravated sexual assault. In 2020, Hayne’s first trial resulted in a hung jury, where the jury where unable […]
Digitial Licences To Be Rolled Out
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Digitial Licences To Be Rolled Out
Queensland is finally catching up! Similar to how we download our vaccination certificate, we will soon be able to download our driver’s licence onto our phones. The technology will also include digital access to marine licences and proof of age cards. The digital licence will be considered an ‘official document’ allowing you to drive and […]
Support Payment Available for Those in South-east Queensland Affected by the Floods
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Support Payment Available for Those in South-east Queensland Affected by the Floods
The Australian Government has announced that there will be support available for those in South-East Queensland who are currently being affected by the flooding. Affected parties can apply for an Australian Government Recovery Payment to give them some support in this time of need. If you have been significantly affected by the natural disaster occurring […]
What You Need to Know About Russia Invading the Ukraine
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What You Need to Know About Russia Invading the Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorised a military operation in the Eastern European country. This has come after months of denial by Russia of such plans, whilst troops continue to be seen massing in Moscow. The Ukraine is located in eastern Europe and is the second largest country in terms of land area in Europe. […]
36 year old Vanuatuan man was allegedly paid $5000 to amputate the leg from a 66 man suffering from diabetes. HE IS NOW CHARGED WITH MURDER.
Lack of Concentration from Perth Bus Driver Results in Tragic Death
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Lack of Concentration from Perth Bus Driver Results in Tragic Death
After a Perth bus driver’s momentary lapse of concentration which resulted in the death of a cyclist, the 55 year old Transperth bus driver, Simon Tugwell, received a sentence with no requirement of serving a term of imprisonment. The incident took place at the busy intersection of Newcastle and Beaufort Streets on October 6 2020. […]
Gold Coast Police CCTV Initiative
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Gold Coast Police CCTV Initiative
Police are encouraging Gold Coast residents to register their CCTV cameras as a means to combat crime. The initiative is currently active in 15 Queensland policing districts, however, has been expanded to include the Gold Coast, beginning with Yatala and Varsity Lakes. The program, Community Camera Alliance (CCA) encourages Gold Coast residents and business owners […]
Sunshine Coast Man Charged with Murder
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Sunshine Coast Man Charged with Murder
On the afternoon of Valentine’s Day 46-year-old Vanessa Godfrey was discovered on a luxury golf resort on the Sunshine Coast following a welfare check after they did not check out of their room. The mother of two from Gunnedah New South Wales was discovered by the staff of the Pelican Waters resort already deceased in […]
Queensland has Laid Its First Charge Under the Migration Act
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Queensland has Laid Its First Charge Under the Migration Act
A 35 year old Nigerian man had now been charged with one count of perjury, two counts of forgery, as well as the offence of providing false documents or false or misleading information relating to non-citizens (Migration Act 1958). The charge under the Migration Act is the first ever to be laid in Queensland. The […]
What you need to know about the murder trial of police officer Zachary Rolfe
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What you need to know about the murder trial of police officer Zachary Rolfe
The murder trial of police officer Zachary Rolfe over the shooting death of Yuendumu teenager Kumanjayi Walker is currently before the Northern Territory Supreme Court in Darwin. Constable Rolfe has plead not guilty to the murder of Kumanjayi Walker. He has also plead not guilty to the alternate charges of manslaughter and engaging in a […]
Police Urge Caution Following High Number of Road Fatalities in Queensland
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Police Urge Caution Following High Number of Road Fatalities in Queensland
We are only 8 days into February 2022 and the road toll in Queensland for the month has already reached twelve fatalities. This is the same number of fatalities that occurred in the first three weeks of January. This brings the State’s road toll numbers up to 32 fatalities for the year, and we are […]
Australian Billionare Launches Criminal Proceedings Against Facebook
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Australian Billionare Launches Criminal Proceedings Against Facebook
Australian businessman, Andrew Forrest, has launched criminal proceedings against Facebook, claiming the tech giant has breached Australian money laundering laws. The mining tycoon alleges Facebook has failed to prevent cryptocurrency advertisements and has not done enough to prevent related scams. As early as 2019, Mr Forest began requesting Facebook remove his image from cryptocurrency schemes […]
Religious Discrimination Bill
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Religious Discrimination Bill
Citipointe Christian College’s controversial contract is a glimpse into “freedoms” that may be allowed under the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill. The contract demanded families denounce homosexuality and that students identify by birth gender, or risk being excluded from the school. Current discrimination laws prohibit Citipointe Christian College’s “contract”, however, currently before Parliament, is a bill […]
New Road Rules in Queensland
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New Road Rules in Queensland
On 4 February 2022 the Queensland Government will introduce new road rules, some of which attract high penalties. New Parking FineMotorists caught stopping in electric vehicle charging bays who are not charging their vehicle will now face parking fines. The new fine carries a maximum penalty of $2,757.00 or motorists may be issued a penalty […]
Mt Isa Taxi Driver Charged With Rape And Other Offences
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Mt Isa Taxi Driver Charged With Rape And Other Offences
It is alleged that a 56-year old man from North West Queensland used his position as a taxi driver to exploit numerous vulnerable female victims within the Mt Isa community. In October 2021, police began investigating the man after receiving information pertaining to an alleged domestic violence offence. In early January a search warrant was […]
Australian Border Force, and Access to your Phone
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Australian Border Force, and Access to your Phone
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has the power to examine ANY goods at the Border- including your electronic documents and photos on your mobile phone. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and we all begin to flock overseas, it is important you are aware that you will likely be stopped by ABF officials for a […]
Cleo Smith’s Kidnapper Pleads Guilty
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Cleo Smith’s Kidnapper Pleads Guilty
Terence Darryl Kelly was charged with abducting four year old Cleo Smith in November 2021, after she disappeared from her families tent during the middle of the night in October 2021. Cleo was held for 18 days in Terence’s house in Carnarvon, Western Australia following her disappearance. She was located in a locked room within […]
NSW Man Charged with Murder After Death of a 9-year Old Girl
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NSW Man Charged with Murder After Death of a 9-year Old Girl
Justin Stein has been arrested and charged with the murder of his partner’s daughter. Nine-year-old Charlise Mutton, Queensland Resident, was on a holiday in New South Wales with her mother when she disappeared. Charlise was reported missing in the Blue Mountains last week Friday 14 January 2022. Her disappearance sparked a massive search by police […]
Statute of Limitations Explained
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Statute of Limitations Explained
Bali bomber- Aris Sumarsono or better known as Zulkarnaen- eluded arrest for 18 years. He was captured in 2020 and has finally been sentenced to 15 years in an Indonesian prison. Zulkarnaen was found guilty of terrorism crimes, including hiding information about the 2002 Bali Bombings and harbouring suspects. The Bali Bombings in October 2002, […]
Djokovic Deported After Losing Visa Appeal
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Djokovic Deported After Losing Visa Appeal
World Number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic has been deported following the ten day appeal process about whether he was able to remain in Australia for the Australian Open. Originally Djokovic was given a medical exemption to allow him to enter Australia to participate in the Australian Open despite that he was not vaccinated against […]
Covid Updates: What You Need To Know Going Into Christmas
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Covid Updates: What You Need To Know Going Into Christmas
Drink driving reforms came into effect on 10 September 2021. The reforms incorporate an overhaul and expansion of the existing Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program, and the introduction of education programs. There are considerable new consequences if you choose not to participate in both programs. Expansion of the existing Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program: If you have […]
Are you aware of the recent changes in Queensland’s drink driving laws?
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Are you aware of the recent changes in Queensland’s drink driving laws?
Drink driving reforms came into effect on 10 September 2021. The reforms incorporate an overhaul and expansion of the existing Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program, and the introduction of education programs. There are considerable new consequences if you choose not to participate in both programs. Expansion of the existing Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program: If you have […]
QLD border opens – What you need to know
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QLD border opens – What you need to know
At 1:00am on Monday morning, the Queensland border opened to the rest of Australia following the vaccination rates reaching 80% double vaccinated. There is some important information you need to know about the border reopening. You can travel from a hotspot and you will not be required to quarantine for 14 days regardless of whether […]
Victorian man avoids jail after shooting his father
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Victorian man avoids jail after shooting his father
Castlemaine tradie, Glenn Stratton, was charged with murder in May 2021 after pulling the trigger to end his father’s life. This was not an act of hate however, rather an act of “love and respect” as put by Supreme Court Justice Hollingworth. Stratton’s father, Colin Stratton was suffering from chronic cancer. He had attended numerous […]
Should parents be held accountable for the actions of their children?
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Should parents be held accountable for the actions of their children?
Parents of Ethan Crumbley, the teen arrested for the murder of four schoolmates and the wounding of seven other people, have been charged with manslaughter. This is the first time that parents of school shootings have been held accountable for the actions of their children. It has been reported that Ethan’s parents, purchased a semiautomatic […]
Animal Cruelty
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Animal Cruelty
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer […]
Affray
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Affray
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer […]
Abuse of office
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Abuse of office
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer […]
Abduction of a child under 16
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Abduction of a child under 16
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer […]
Charge of Wounding
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Charge of Wounding
This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer […]