• Headnote
  • Posts
  • VIC now has "toughest" bail laws in the country

VIC now has "toughest" bail laws in the country

Late last week the Victorian parliament passed the Bail Amendment Bill 2025 - formerly the Bail Amendment (Tough Bail) Bill 2025

March 23, 2025

Was this email forwarded to you?

Sign up for our free daily email newsletter at headnote.com.au

Daily wrap  

  • Podcasts:
     

    • Attorney General Mark Dreyfus: - Centre for Public Integrity - Apple Podcasts

      Former Federal Court judge and Centre for Public Integrity Board member, the Hon. Michael Barker KC, sits down with Commonwealth Attorney-General the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC MP.

      Drawing on his extensive parliamentary experience—having served as Attorney-General twice and representing the historic seat of Isaacs in South East Melbourne— Mark reflects on his journey from his early days as a junior climate minister to his tenure in government.

      He discusses landmark reforms, including the introduction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act and enhancements to whistleblower protections, as well as the challenges of establishing a National Anti-Corruption Commission.

      Together, they delve into the intricate workings of Australian governance, exploring the dynamics of intra-party negotiations, the significance of merit-based appointments, and the critical role of transparency in rebuilding public trust.
       

    • Anthony Whealy KC: From a Book - Centre for Public Integrity - Apple Podcasts

      In this compelling episode of the Centre for Public Integrity’s podcast, journalist Quentin Dempster sits down with the Honourable Anthony Whealy, Founding (and current) Chair of the Centre for Public Integrity. Anthony takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in Sydney—growing up in a middle‑class family with a bookmaker father—to his transformative education and career in law. Reflecting on his colourful experiences and the battles fought in courtrooms and Parliament alike, Anthony discusses how his post-judicial career opened his eyes to the structural and systemic problems in Australia and developed his passion for the importance of restoring public trust through initiatives like the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and how the Centre’s work continues to shape a fairer, more accountable democracy.
       

    • Geoffrey Watson SC: life, career - Centre for Public Integrity - Apple Podcasts

      In this candid interview, founding board director Geoffrey Watson, SC, takes us on his remarkable journey—from being inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird” to becoming a leading anti-corruption crusader. A former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and a teaching fellow at UNSW, Geoffrey reveals the gritty realities of exposing deep-seated corruption, the personal toll of his work, and the insights that have shaped his career in the pursuit of public integrity. Join Quentin Dempster as he delves into Geoffrey’s experiences, the challenges of defending the public interest, and why the fight for accountability remains more crucial than ever.
       

    • Episode 47 - Larina Alick - Just Chat - Apple Podcasts

      Executive Counsel for Nine Media talks about her career from legal receptionist to being involved with some of the most biggest defamation cases in the recent years, and her experience working directly with court journalists.

       

  • How this top barrister became a ‘Medici’ of classical music [AFR paywall]

    Senior counsel Richard Cobden has now funded three works for Sydney’s Omega Ensemble. He wants you to know that commissioning is not as hard as you might think.
     

  • Banning Communists - Executive punishment in Australia - Anne Twomey - YouTube

    This video addresses the history of banning organisations and using executive power to do so in Australia. It starts with the use of the Unlawful Associations Act 1916 (Cth) to ban and deport members of the Industrial Workers of the World ('IWW') and runs through to the banning of the Communist Party of Australia in 1940 and later failed attempts to do so.
     

  • Greens push for NSW Human Rights Act, Attorney General open to discussion - Law Society Journal
     

International
 

Like our free newsletter? The best way to support us is to tell your colleagues about our newsletter!

We love feedback - [email protected]