Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Organisation

Background Briefing

Audio

'Paperless arrests'


Police in Darwin have jailed nearly 1,000 Aboriginal people under new public order laws that allow detention without an arrest warrant. Following a black death in custody, the coroner said the laws should be repealed because they perpetuate and entrench Indigenous disadvantage. But the NT government is refusing to budge. So have 'paperless arrests' reduced...
Article

The possum or the timber industry


Victoria's state emblem, the Leadbeater's possum, is one of the most critically endangered animals in Australia. Fire and logging have decimated its habitat, causing Leadbeater's numbers to plummet. A fierce and secretive political debate is now raging over whether the possum and the industry can both survive, or if one has to go. Rachel Carbonell...
Article

Predatory publishers criticised for 'unethical, unprincipled' tactics


They create copycat 'science journals', exploit academic authors and publish junk 'peer reviewed' science. Hagar Cohen investigates one of the biggest of the alleged 'predatory' publishers, and the dubious tactics used in this growing sector. Predatory publishers are exploiting academics by getting them to pay fees—sometimes thousands of dollars—to publish their papers in low-grade journals...
Audio

In the child's best interests


The Family Court is one of the most controversial institutions in Australia. It’s also one of the least scrutinised. In a number of Family Court cases, where claims of child sexual abuse have been made against a father, the court has switched care from the mother to the father after a recommendation by a child...
Audio

Field of tainted dreams


Homophobia is rife in Australian sport. Whether playing at the local park or representing their country, gay and lesbian athletes routinely hide their sexuality to avoid abuse while pursuing the sport they love. Sarah Dingle investigates how difficult it is to come out on the field. Credits Reporter Sarah Dingle Researcher Lawrence Bull Supervising Producer...

ADVERTISEMENT