Government withholds funding for Indigenous genetic disease foundation
Mike Seccombe
Despite a Federal Court win over Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion, a foundation supporting sufferers of a crippling genetic disease across remote Aboriginal communities is still waiting on funding promised under the previous Labor government.
Cleaning up the Environmental Protection Authority
Chris Woods
Sweeping reforms to Victoria’s EPA are set to shift its focus from response to prevention, and restore the faith of communities at risk from contaminants.
While the government claims to offer expert employment support to those with a disability or health condition, the flawed system is being abused, much to the detriment of the job seekers’ dignity and self-confidence.
As reports emerge that as many veterans have taken their lives this year as have been killed in the 13 years of the war in Afghanistan, a new narrative is emerging around post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mooball community divided over cancer cluster claims
Susan Chenery
While some residents of Mooball in northern NSW believe sandmining tailings have caused a cancer cluster, others think it’s a scare campaign to prevent development.
Manus Island claims to have a properly equipped hospital, but for detainees requiring more than just a painkiller, the facilities are grossly inadequate.
NSW debates exclusion zone laws for abortion protestors
Ben Rice
While Victoria and Tasmania’s exclusion zone laws require anti-abortion protesters to keep their distance from medical clinics, in NSW opponents invoke free speech arguments to assert their right to confront patients.
Traditionally, Christmas and new year marks a flat spot for political news. But the past few weeks have thrown up their share of woe for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The shadow of tragedy hangs over Luke Batty inquest
Martin McKenzie-Murray
Hindsight and evaluation cannot alter the fate of Luke Batty. But a coroner’s report into his ‘unforeseeable’ murder has at least identified systemic failings in the handling of mental illness and domestic violence.
Smoking ban set to inflame larger issues in prisons
Mike Seccombe
A ban on cigarettes in NSW prisons sparked fears of insurrection, but questions have arisen over the effectiveness of such policies and the greater problem of overcrowded facilities.
Queensland plans crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence
Andrew McMillen
Proposed changes to liquor licensing laws in Queensland are ruffling the feathers of venue owners and drinkers alike, but data following strict changes in NSW correlate with a sharp fall in assault rates.
Questions arise over workplace bullying compo judgements
Luke Williams
With allegations of workplace bullying and other psychological injury on the rise, questions are being asked about the system of employer-selected psychiatric assessments to determine compensation claims.
Inquiries into fly-in fly-out workers reveal hidden depression and an industry in denial. With the weakening mining sector now delivering redundancies, it will only get worse.
