The Latest Breaking News from Geoffrey Watson

Reforms in the wake of the child sexual abuse royal commission made it easier for victims to seek compensation, but now a fierce new battleground is emerging as some organisations at the centre of the claims push to have cases thrown out altogether.

Legal experts say those at the heart of the allegations could escape the Nacc’s scrutiny on a technicality

Is your dog afraid of storms? The Top End's cyclone season can be a frightening time for some dogs and anxious owners trying to protect them.

The South Australian Law Society has renewed calls for a review of anti-corruption laws after suggestions there is a loophole in changes to the law that were rushed through parliament last year.

A new ICAC report could put paid to a belief popular among some MPs that using public money for political purposes is normal practice.

A prominent barrister says the public should be "outraged" by changes that will allow members of parliament, police and public servants in South Australia who are charged after anti-corruption probes to slug taxpayers for their legal fees, even if they are convicted.

Tasmanian Liberal MPs were patrons or members of at least seven organisations that won taxpayer-funded grants after pre-election promises — but the government is adamant the local community does not expect organisations to be ineligible "simply because a candidate is a patron".

Labor plans to introduce a bill for an anti-corruption commission this year – and it could investigate billions of dollars in Morrison government grants.

Law expert Prof Anne Twomey calls for grants to be made on merit and based on clear criteria