
Daily wrap
Uni law school acknowledges course ‘hijack’ [The Australian paywall]
Macquarie University will review its law school practices following revelations law students faced the threat of failing an exam if they performed an underwhelming acknowledgment of country.
Editor’s picks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
International
Counsel: "We are here because we have to be here. Your Honour, in essence, the plaintiffs’ case is really straightforward and very simple". That some migration cases (not appeals or constitutional issues) have to be heard by the High Court is ridiculous.
austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdo…— #High Court (Australia) Trivia (#@HighCourtTrivia)
5:22 AM • Mar 22, 2025
The 2025 Victorian Bar Pro Bono Awards were held last night, with Fiona McLeod AO SC receiving the Victorian Bar Pro Bono Trophy, the highest honour that can be bestowed. Read about it here: vicbar.com.au/Web/Contents/N…
— #Victorian Bar (#@VictorianBar)
1:27 AM • Mar 21, 2025
"Sentencing for federal offences is complicated enough. When that difficulty is combined with sentencing for State offences at the same time, the courts may be running out of suitable metaphors by which to express the frustration ...": Dyball v R [2025] NSWCCA 39, [33] today
— #Australian Criminal Law (#@CriminalLawAus)
3:17 AM • Mar 21, 2025
Millions of pounds now rest on whether large marshmallows are "normally eaten with the fingers". Thread.
— #Dan Neidle (#@DanNeidle)
1:03 PM • Mar 21, 2025
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