28 June

Sticky

Tapering off Vaping: The New Laws in Australia and What It All Means

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

What Is Changing? The long-awaited restriction on the sale and importation of disposable vaping devices in Australia has been looming over vapers, health practitioners and retailers for some time. In December 2023, the first step was taken by the Governor-General in Federal Executive Council to institute Australia’s new anti-vaping through the commencement of the Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (Vaping) Regulations 2023 (the Regulations). The Regulations have initiated a multi-stage push to address the increasing health risks posed by vaping, specifically for young people in Australia. However, despite common misconceptions, not all instances in which disposable vapes are possessed, purchased, sold and imported...

27 May

0 Comments

Sticky

The Queensland Police Drug Diversion Program – What’s New and Am I Eligible?

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Criminal Law & Offences

Have you been found in possession of a small amount of party drugs? Jungle juice? Steroids? Maybe a bong, grinder or pipe? Were you arrested, or questioned, by a Queensland police officer about the offence? If so, provided you are eligible, police may have had the obligation to offer you the chance to participate in the police drug diversion program (PDDP). Possessions of small quantities of recreational drugs, drug-related items, prescription medications and controlled drugs make up the majority of low-level drug offending in Queensland, specifically among young people. However, since 2023, political and legal attitudes towards the prosecution of these offences have...

11 April

0 Comments

Sticky

Buying and Selling Knives – Offences and Obligations on Buyers, Sellers and Employees in Queensland

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Criminal Law & Offences

In a bid to curb weapon-related crime and youth delinquency in Queensland, the new Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (the Act) was assented to by Parliament and will commence on a day to be fixed. The objective of the Act is to advance essential reforms designed to promote community safety, reduce youth offending and minimise the risks associated with knives and other dangerous items. In doing so, it introduces new provisions to the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 and Summary Offences Act 2005 imposing strict regulations on buyers and sellers of “controlled items” with...

04 March

0 Comments

Sticky

Can I be charged for my housemate possessing drugs or weapons?

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Criminal Law & Offences

Sharing a house with mates can be stressful. Sharing a house with mates who may be committing criminal offences is even more so. Regardless of whether or not you believe you are committing an offence; it is important to prevent yourself from being caught in the crossfire of your housemates’ bad decisions — especially when it relates to the unlawful possession of drugs or weapons offences. The meaning of the term ‘possession’ under Queensland legislation does not follow the ordinary meaning of the term. In some instances, you could be ‘in possession’ of something, or responsible for someone else’s actions, simply by turning...

14 February

0 Comments

Sticky

Consent and Sex – The Changing Laws in Queensland and What You Need to Know

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Criminal Law & Offences

What is changing? On 11 October 2023, the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill), which proposes a variety of amendments to the Criminal Code 1899 (the Code), was introduced to the Queensland Parliament. The Bill aims to change the definition of consent when engaging in sexual acts and the circumstances in which consent cannot be legally obtained. What is consent? Under current Queensland law, consent is defined as something “freely and voluntarily given by a person with the cognitive capacity to give the consent”. How is consent given? The law does not define how consent must be...

15 October

0 Comments

Sticky

Preparing for Your Guilty Plea – the Benefits of Character References

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

If you are pleading guilty to a criminal charge in the Magistrates Court in Queensland, you will have the option of providing character references to the court as part of your submissions. You are not obliged to present a reference. Nor will failing to provide one be held against you. However, they can prove beneficial to the outcome of your matter. Providing good references may assist your lawyer in highlighting positive aspects of your character, your relationships and your circumstances. Furthermore, in circumstances where your offending could be seen as ‘out of character’, references can help to distinguish you, as a person, from...

Tapering off Vaping: The New Laws in Australia and What It All Means

The Queensland Police Drug Diversion Program – What’s New and Am I Eligible?

Buying and Selling Knives – Offences and Obligations on Buyers, Sellers and Employees in Queensland

Can I be charged for my housemate possessing drugs or weapons?

Consent and Sex – The Changing Laws in Queensland and What You Need to Know

Preparing for Your Guilty Plea – the Benefits of Character References

Quick Links

Quick Contact

Contact Details

Author: Sabine Keenan

Tapering off Vaping: The New Laws in Australia and What It All Means

The Queensland Police Drug Diversion Program – What’s New and Am I Eligible?

Buying and Selling Knives – Offences and Obligations on Buyers, Sellers and Employees in Queensland

Can I be charged for my housemate possessing drugs or weapons?

Consent and Sex – The Changing Laws in Queensland and What You Need to Know

Preparing for Your Guilty Plea – the Benefits of Character References

Quick Links

Quick Contact

Contact Details