February
The question time tactic that left Labor MPs visibly shocked
For months, Coalition MPs have accused the Albanese government of playing down violent acts of antisemitism. On Monday, Mark Dreyfus was jack of it.
January
Stop ‘grotesque’ politicising of antisemitism: Dreyfus at Auschwitz
In Poland for a Holocaust remembrance service, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus took aim at those he says are politicising attacks on the Jewish community.
Jewish leaders say success of Dreyfus trip hinges on change at home
Jewish community leaders say the attorney-general’s Israel trip needs to deliver a change in federal policies towards the Jewish state upon his return.
Jewish leaders say Dreyfus visit a chance to reset ties with Israel
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Australia’s most senior Jewish lawmaker, will visit the Jewish state amid a souring of ties between Canberra and Jerusalem.
December 2024
Harsher penalties urged for PwC-style false privilege claims
The changing nature of law firms is making privilege claims more difficult to determine, a federal government discussion paper says.
Australian fighter pilot to be extradited over China training claim
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said he considered all evidence before him before deciding father of six Daniel Duggan should face court in the United States.
Treasury head Steven Kennedy backs ASIC, ACCC on barrister pay
The department’s secretary has personally lobbied to end a 13-year freeze on what barristers can earn for doing government work.
November 2024
Why buying and selling a home is about to cost $1200 more
Amid Australia’s growing housing crisis, a new crackdown on money laundering is expected to add significant extra costs to property transactions.
Barristers brand anti-money-laundering laws ‘unconstitutional’
Bar associations have leant on advice from a former High Court judge in their latest effort to carve out an exemption to AML/CTF reforms.
October 2024
Let us pay barristers more, ASIC–ACCC chiefs urge Labor
Junior silks can command up to $9500 a day from commercial clients, but only about $2730 from the government, a situation two watchdogs want to change.
Labor, Coalition clash over laws for lawyers, accountants, realtors
Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash roundly criticised plans to expand anti-money laundering laws to the three professions.
September 2024
Australia’s top five powerbrokers in the law for 2024
It was a momentous year for the High Court, the competition regulator and outspoken judges. Here are the people setting the agenda in legal circles.
Labor’s privacy reforms the ‘tip of the iceberg’
Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind is happy with a suite of new powers to hit companies with big fines for privacy breaches, but says she can’t pursue the vast majority of complaints.
Doxxers face years in prison under new privacy offences
The Albanese government’s new privacy laws make doxxing – maliciously revealing personal information – a crime, punishable by up to seven years in prison.
Probe over safety of Jewish students at Sydney University
The SafeWork NSW investigation follows a warning from Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus that universities have to do more to stop antisemitism.
August 2024
Uncover Jewish chat group doxxers or risk violence, Labor elders say
Former Labor MP Mike Kelly says if the people responsible for doxxing Jewish creatives were not held accountable, they would be emboldened to take further action.
Doxxed Jewish group demands police probe of NYT admission
Members of a group of Jewish creative workers who suffered harassment after details of a private chat group were published believe there’s evidence of a possible crime.
CFMEU trigger pulled; APRA slaps ANZ; 10 hated ASX ‘darlings’
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
ASIC, ACCC ‘materially weakened’ in court by $5k cap on top silk pay
Former chairmen of ASIC and the ACCC have spoken out against the 13-year freeze on federal government pay rates for barristers, saying it cost them in the courtroom.
Senior silks command up to $25k a day, but ASIC, ACCC pay under $5k
Bar associations are sounding the alarm about the situation, which has left regulators relying on an evaporating pool of experienced barristers.