Introduction : This backgrounder features two timelines; the first includes major bushfires, bushfire inquiries and related legislative reforms in NSW between 1926 and 2014. The second identifies recent bushfires and bushfire inquiries in the other States and Territories, as well as relevant Commonwealth Parliamentary inquiries. Key sources used to put together the timelines include a...

Being a victim of violent crime has a damaging effect on mental health, particularly for women, according to this report. The needs and experiences of victims of crime have become increasingly recognised as an important aspect of criminal justice and public policy. In Australia, victim support services grew from community-based organisations and lobby groups. With...

The time taken to finalise trial cases in the District Criminal Court has increased significantly, according to this report. Introduction: This report deals with criminal cases finalised in 2013 in the New South Wales (NSW) Local, Children’s, District and Supreme Courts. In contrast to prior NSW Criminal Court reports, this report includes an expanded range...

This paper outlines the results of recent Australian research studies on public attitudes to sentencing. Introduction The former NSW Chief Justice, James Spigelman AC QC, commented that “sentencing engages the interest, and sometimes the passion, of the public at large more than anything else judges do”. Public opinion on sentencing is important for two main...

In the 24 months to March 2014, domestic violence, indecent assault and fraud increased in New South Wales, while other types of major offences decreased or remained stable. Summary In the 24 months to March 2014, only three of the 17 major offences showed significant upward trends. These were: assault – domestic violence related (up...