Nino Bucci

Eighteen-year-old mother Tarsha Golightly died by suicide in a yard at Melbourne’s Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on 27 July, five days after being transferred from the Parkville youth justice centre to the women’s prison while on remand. A coronial court heard that fellow prisoners raised the alarm and that officers took nearly two hours to find her body, despite CCTV coverage. The mandatory inquest will examine her circumstances before and during remand, any bail application, treatment and support at Parkville, the reasons for her transfer, conditions at DPFC including possible lockdowns, and the response to her death. Independent investigations are also under way, alongside reviews of recent suicides and other deaths in Victoria’s prison system.

Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions argues that Erin Patterson’s life sentence, which includes a 33-year non-parole period, is manifestly inadequate for the murders of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson. Prosecutors seek resentencing without any non-parole period, or a longer period likely to keep her imprisoned for life. Patterson’s defence argues that her severe prison conditions were properly considered and that the original sentence was carefully reasoned. Prosecutors also reject all seven grounds of Patterson’s conviction appeal, including challenges to jury sequestration, evidence, cross-examination and closing arguments. The Victorian Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on both appeals.

Entertainment and AFL manager Ralph Carr was convicted of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a former employee in March 2023. During a sentencing hearing, his lawyer said Carr was experiencing severe psychological distress, frequent panic attacks, poor sleep and eating, and prolonged lockdown in custody, warning he could attempt suicide if his application to stay the sentence failed. The defence acknowledged that a substantial sentence was likely but sought mitigation based on Carr’s lack of prior convictions, previous character and work history, family role and the effects of imprisonment. Carr maintains his innocence and will receive no remorse or guilty-plea discount. The judge is expected to rule on the stay application and sentence the following week.

The Guardian’s Australian live coverage reported Bet365’s apology to the Senate after children wore its gambling-branded clothing during a charity relay at Victoria’s Terang Racing Club; the company blamed club volunteers and said it would never authorise marketing to minors. Other major developments included emotional parliamentary evidence about alleged misconduct and whistleblower handling at KPMG, with more complaints emerging; additional criminal charges against former CFMEU leader John Setka; and testimony from an alleged victim in Alan Jones’s sexual-assault trial, which Jones denies. The coverage also detailed disputes over Western Australia’s GST deal, falling Australian home lending, proposed changes to building standards, a search for a missing teenager, Qantas refunds after passengers were stranded in Johannesburg, and political debate over social-media penalties and Catholic school funding.

Victoria’s corruption watchdog, IBAC, has charged a senior constable and a sergeant over the alleged assault of an Indigenous man during an arrest in Melbourne’s east last August. The senior constable is accused of repeatedly striking the man in the head with a Taser, while the sergeant allegedly kneed him in the head. Both officers remain in their current roles and are due to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 11 September. The investigation was conducted under IBAC’s focused police complaints program, which targets serious allegations involving communities at higher risk of police misconduct.

Victoria’s Gellung Warl First Peoples’ representative body has used its treaty powers for the first time to urge the Labor government to withdraw a corrections bill that would allow authorities to deny prisoners their daily hour of outdoor time for “operational considerations.” The government acknowledges the bill is partly incompatible with Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and the Statewide Treaty, while critics say it also conflicts with the UN Mandela rules and would disproportionately affect First Peoples, who are overrepresented in the prison system. The government plans to proceed with the bill with Coalition support, despite opposition from legal and human-rights groups, the ombudsman and several minor parties. A recent Supreme Court ruling found that denying prisoner George Marrogi access to open air was unlawful.

Victoria’s Labor government has pledged to amend the Open Courts Act to prevent suppression orders from protecting convicted rapists if it is re-elected in November. Premier Ben Carroll and Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny said the changes would close loopholes while preserving fair-trial rights, following the cases of Ralph Carr and Tom Silvagni, whose identities were suppressed on mental-health and self-harm grounds before their convictions. The government is also reviewing interim orders, duration limits and the grounds for granting suppression. The opposition says it would end misuse of the orders outright, while the Melbourne Press Club and legal academics are calling for a broader review. A separate bill would remove good-character references at sentencing, criminalize coercive control and strengthen family-violence protections.

Australian federal and Victorian police, alongside ASIO, are investigating the July 2025 arson and vandalism attack on Melbourne defence manufacturer Lovitt Technologies as a possible terrorist act motivated by far-left, anarchist or revolutionary ideology. A masked group claimed responsibility, citing the company’s links to the F-35 program and Israel, and threatened further action. Authorities have conducted suspected counter-terrorism raids and say those convicted could face life imprisonment, while urging witnesses and the public to provide information. The investigation comes amid ASIO warnings of increased politically motivated violence and disruption linked to the Gaza conflict.

The NSW Minns government released former justice John Sackar’s long-awaited review of hate-speech laws but rejected its recommendation to extend criminal protections beyond race to religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and other attributes, prompting accusations from LGBTQ+ advocates of unequal treatment. The live coverage also reports evidence to the ICAC’s Operation Rosny inquiry, including Damien Tudehope’s admission that he leaked a confidential draft report and discussed Jean-Claude Perrottet’s whereabouts with Dominic Perrottet. Other major developments include an independent review of the Bureau of Meteorology, evidence of serious access problems in aged-care reforms, rising homelessness among Brisbane children, a planned Victorian doctors’ strike, allegations and denials involving gambling companies, strong household spending and share-market gains, and warnings about healthcare capacity, bird flu and future bushfire risks.

NSW Police assistant commissioner Peter McKenna apologised to Sydney’s Jewish community after a procedural failure meant Jewish leaders were not warned that the White Australia party had approval to hold a neo-Nazi protest outside the NSW parliament in November 2025. He said the failure resulted from human error and that new systems had been introduced, while defending the decision to approve the rally on public-assembly grounds because it did not meet the threshold for an anti-vilification law breach. The royal commission also examined the 2023 Sydney Opera House protest, with Jewish representatives describing it as a key moment in rising antisemitism, while counsel for the Palestine Action Group disputed the significance of its timing. The commission’s next hearing block will examine radicalisation, online hate, hate preachers and government and law-enforcement responses.

A Victorian County Court jury found Melbourne entertainment and AFL manager Ralph Carr guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a former staffer following a three-week trial. Carr, who had been protected by a suppression order on mental-health grounds, was taken into custody after bail was revoked; the order was lifted after his lawyers abandoned efforts to keep his identity secret. Carr maintains his innocence and plans to seek a stay of sentence. Police are also investigating a separate 2005 sexual-assault allegation made by another woman. Carr formerly represented performers including Tina Arena and Vanessa Amorosi and managed AFL player Dustin Martin, who ended their professional relationship after learning of the convictions.

Victoria's parliamentary Legal and Social Issues Committee accidentally exposed the email addresses of hundreds of people, including anonymous survivors of alleged cults and members of groups discussed during its inquiry, when distributing its final report. The committee apologized 42 minutes later, asked recipients to delete and not share the email, and said it would review its procedures. Survivors and advocates warned that the breach could cause fear and retraumatization, particularly for people with PTSD. The report makes 39 recommendations, including laws against group-based coercion, a nationally consistent response framework, a Victoria Police pathway for coercive-control cases, and a lived-experience advisory body, while opposing a formal legal definition of a cult.

A well-connected Melbourne man, whose identity remains suppressed, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after a three-week Victorian County Court trial. The case turned largely on the credibility of his former personal assistant, while the accused did not testify. The jury did not hear DNA evidence that was ruled inadmissible by Judge Frank Gucciardo, despite arguments from both sides about its relevance and reliability. The article also examines the accused’s successful efforts to maintain anonymity on mental-health grounds and the broader debate over suppression orders. He was taken into custody and will be sentenced later.

A jury in Victoria’s County Court found a well-connected Melbourne man guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a former employee in March 2023. The man denied that any offences occurred and did not testify, while his defence challenged the woman’s credibility and account. His bail was revoked after the verdict, and he was taken into custody pending sentencing.

A Melbourne man faces charges of rape and sexual assault, which he denies, while the prosecution argues that inconsistencies in the complainant’s account support her credibility. Prosecutor Matthew Fisher highlighted corroborating details from the hours after the alleged incident and questioned the reliability of a senior police officer’s testimony. Defence barrister Dermot Dann maintains the complainant fabricated the allegations. Testimony about the complainant’s past negative experiences with police also surfaced as the trial continues.

Police arrested a New South Wales woman as part of investigations into the movements of Desmond “Dezi” Freeman, who killed two police officers before being shot dead. The live coverage also detailed scrutiny of Telstra’s nationwide outage at a parliamentary inquiry, political backlash to Pauline Hanson’s comments during an interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and expert testimony on youth justice reforms in Queensland. Additional developments covered climate‑related objections to a major Hunter Valley coalmine expansion, concerns about university responses to student trauma raised at the antisemitism royal commission, and confirmation that AI-generated components were used in a popular cover of Like a Prayer.

Testimony in a Melbourne rape trial described disputes between the alleged victim and a former colleague, suggestions that the woman aimed to pursue significant legal action, and accounts from friends and police about the events before and after the alleged assaults. The accused has pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault, with witnesses detailing interactions on the night in question and police evidence showing the man appeared uninjured and cooperative when officers attended his home. The trial remains ongoing.

Police arrested a 20‑year‑old man accused of orchestrating arson attacks and other violent offences on behalf of an organised crime syndicate linked to overseas figures. Authorities say the arrest is the most significant development in Operation Eclipse, targeting a network allegedly led by Kazem Hamad, who has been detained in Iraq. Detectives allege the syndicate recruited teenagers through encrypted apps to carry out firebombings, kidnappings and home invasions affecting Melbourne hospitality venues. Asio has linked Hamad to Iranian-backed militia networks, with pressure from Australian agencies contributing to his imprisonment.

Records reveal Christian Brothers properties in Australia housed convicted child abusers Rex Elmer and Peter Toomey, despite long histories of misconduct and early warnings about offending. Court documents show the order has continued supporting nine convicted brothers under a stated Gospel obligation, covering housing, living costs and treatment oversight. Survivors and critics have condemned the order’s management and recent claims of financial distress. A court-ordered moratorium pauses current and future abuse claims while a proposal to sell 36 properties is considered, amid disputes involving Edmund Rice Education Australia over responsibility for assets and liabilities.

Broadcaster and former senator Derryn Hinch has died at age 82 after a period of declining health. Known for his influential media presence and candid style, he built a decades-long career across radio, television and print, notably at 3AW and Nine. Political leaders and colleagues praised his fearlessness, advocacy for victims and lasting impact on Australian journalism. He was recognised by the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame and remembered for his campaigning and controversial stands throughout his career.

Testimony in a Melbourne rape trial describes a woman accusing her former employer of raping her twice in 2023 before she punched him and called police. Prosecutors outline her account of resisting advances, documenting events, and contacting her mother, while the defence challenges her credibility, citing alleged prior false claims and disputed details of the night. The woman is expected to testify in a closed court as the trial continues.

A series of graffiti images known as Pam the Bird, allegedly created by Jack Gibson-Burrell, has appeared across prominent Melbourne sites, prompting debate over whether the work is art or vandalism. Gibson-Burrell, already facing more than 200 related charges, was arrested after painting a new Pam on the Bolte Bridge, an incident shared widely on social media. Within Melbourne’s graffiti community, the work is seen as part of an illicit culture that values risk, though some find the approach controversial. Authorities attribute more than $700,000 in damage to the artist, who now faces additional charges and a bail hearing while awaiting trial on earlier offences.

Criminal infiltration and organised crime were acknowledged in Victoria’s Big Build projects as Jacinta Allan rejected demands for a royal commission, arguing it would not change worksite culture. Allan pointed to police powers, criminal charges and regulatory actions as sufficient responses, while avoiding specific allegations tied to her former ministerial role. Opposition leader Jess Wilson renewed calls for a commission, citing extensive misuse of public funds and systemic corruption tied to unions and labour hire practices.

Australian police are increasingly using so‑called less‑lethal weapons such as tasers, tear gas and projectile launchers against protesters, despite limited public scrutiny. Guardian Australia's investigations team reviewed footage, records and expert insights to detail what weapons are being deployed and the potential harm they can cause.

Australian police forces use a wide range of so‑called less lethal weapons with limited transparency, including projectile launchers, chemical irritants, PepperBall devices, distraction grenades and Tasers. Experts warn these weapons can cause severe injuries or death, and records show multiple incidents and legal cases tied to their deployment. Oversight remains weak, with police often suppressing details about weapon types, usage frequency and associated injuries. Data shows increased use of Tasers and OC spray, while coronial findings and lawsuits highlight misuse, inconsistent training and rising harm. Advocacy groups argue these weapons have become normalized in crowd control despite posing significant risks.

A speech by justice Robert Beech‑Jones warned that the Samuel Griffith Society is promoting US‑style conservative court‑stacking and misusing the legacy of Sir Samuel Griffith. His criticism drew strong pushback from society leaders, who accused him of engaging in culture‑war politics. The controversy highlighted ideological divides around judicial appointments, with researchers noting long-term patterns of governments selecting ideologically aligned judges. Experts expressed concern about increasing partisanship but noted that Australia’s high court remains more collegial and less divided than its US counterpart.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, celebrated for disarming a gunman in the Bondi terror attack, has been charged with assault and intimidation after allegedly putting his father in a headlock in March. He denies the allegations, saying the situation has caused him severe anxiety and stems in part from tensions surrounding millions raised for him through GoFundMe. Al-Ahmed, who was previously honoured for his actions during the attack in which Sajid Akram was killed and 15 people died, is scheduled to appear in Bankstown local court on 29 July.

The Queensland health ombudsman suspended surgeon Vahid Reza Adib after he was charged with rape, deprivation of liberty and sexual assault linked to an alleged incident in March. Police said a warrant executed in April resulted in the seizure of several items. Adib’s lawyers stated he intends to vigorously defend the allegations and emphasised his presumption of innocence. The suspension remains in place unless overturned by the ombudsman or the Queensland civil and administrative tribunal.

Legal proceedings against Ben Roberts‑Smith face delays due to national security restrictions on classified evidence. A live blog of Australian political developments also reports on the minimum wage rise, economic concerns raised by major banks, controversy over aged‑care assessment algorithms, debates over AI policy, the shutdown of the James Boag’s brewery, and calls from activists to cancel a future defence expo. Multiple ministers and senators address issues including Aukus risks, welfare automation, and shifting voter sentiment, while financial data shows rapid growth in paid AI service subscriptions.

Tony Abbott was elected Liberal party president, warning the party faces an existential crisis and urging a renewed push under Angus Taylor’s leadership. State opposition leaders used the conference to criticise Labor governments and outline campaign priorities. The federal government released new wagering reforms banning gambling sponsorships for athletes and influencers. Other major developments included the resignation of KPMG’s CEO, dismantling of a protest camp in Brisbane’s Victoria Park, tributes to broadcaster James Valentine, and confirmation of appeal dates for Erin Patterson. Police arrested two protesters at Victoria Park as preparations continue for the 2032 Olympic stadium.

Australian parliamentary proceedings featured clashes over capital gains tax reforms, with Treasury secretary Jenny Wilkinson rejecting criticism and presenting modelling showing most young Australians would benefit from the government’s new tax settings. Question time was marked by tension after Angus Taylor insulted prime minister Anthony Albanese, prompting a withdrawal of the remark. The government launched a multibillion‑dollar legal action against 3M over chemical contamination at defence sites, while unrelated developments included an extended quarantine for passengers exposed to hantavirus, terrorism‑related charges against a Darwin teenager, and ongoing disputes in the New South Wales upper house that led to the suspension of two government members.

Australian political debate centered on capital gains tax reforms, inflation data, gambling regulation, domestic violence initiatives, and the repatriation of women and children from Syria. Senators and MPs pressed the government on regulatory enforcement, AI decision-making safeguards, and national security issues, while ministers defended policy positions and highlighted economic improvements. Internal disputes within major institutions, including the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the ABC, were also addressed, alongside calls for justice reform following the decision not to prosecute in the Kumanjayi White case.

Six women and 12 children linked to Islamic State arrived in Melbourne and Sydney after years in Syrian detention camps, with Australian authorities making no arrests but confirming ongoing investigations. Security agencies had prepared for the returns, and officials reiterated that any crimes committed would be prosecuted. Family members and support organizations stressed the need for comprehensive care for the children. Several returning women were identified, along with their complex family histories involving travel to Syria and connections to IS members. Previous Australian repatriation efforts and recent arrests of other returnees were noted, as well as calls for the last remaining Australian woman in Syria to be allowed to return.

Labor faced internal pressure over its stance on Israel as Richard Marles was questioned about conditions that might trigger stronger sanctions, while concerns were raised over treatment of flotilla protesters and Australia’s involvement in the F‑35 program. The National Anti‑Corruption Commission chief Paul Brereton defended his resignation amid scrutiny, and NT police announced no charges in the death of Kumanjayi White, allowing an inquest to proceed. Islamic State‑linked women and children returned to Australia without expected arrests, while climate policy tensions resurfaced after BHP documents were cited by David Pocock. NSW politics saw Penny Sharpe suspended again over withheld documents, and tributes were paid to Neale Daniher as Victoria prepared public memorial lighting.

Western leaders, including Australia under Anthony Albanese, issued a joint statement condemning escalating Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and warning that the E1 project would undermine a two‑state solution and violate international law. The coalition urged Israel to halt settlement expansion, curb settler violence, investigate allegations against its forces, and lift restrictions on the Palestinian Authority. Far‑right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben‑Gvir, previously sanctioned by several of the involved countries, were cited for supporting settlement policies. Australian officials said the move aligns with longstanding government positions, while civil society groups reiterated calls for stronger action to prevent annexation.