04 April 2026
PRISONS CAN'T SURVEIL CONVERSATIONS ANYMORE
NSW prisons can no longer surveil conversations between inmates and lawyers after Parliament disallowed a regulation limiting protections. The move restores legal professional privilege, ensuring confidential access to legal advice. Concerns arose after an inquiry found prison staff misused monitored communications for intimidation. Greens MP Sue Higginson said the change protects vulnerable prisoners and upholds justice, amid criticism of government oversight and alleged unlawful surveillance practice
04 April 2026
PROGESS IN DETECTING DEMENTIA EARLY
THE Australian Dementia Network plans a pilot using digital cognitive and blood tests to improve early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Targeting at-risk Australians, it aims to enable earlier treatment, delay disease progression and reduce costs. With dementia affecting over 400,000 Australians, the $6M proposal could expand access, especially in regional areas, and address long wait times, offering major health and economic benefits nationwide.
04 April 2026
MOVE TO PROTECT RETAIL WORKERS
THE NSW Government will consult stakeholders on new measures to protect retail workers from violence, including proposed Workplace Protection Orders to ban offenders from stores. This builds on existing laws and a police-led retail crime strategy targeting repeat offenders. Since October 2025, hundreds have been charged and stolen goods recovered. The initiative is supported by industry collaboration and SafeWork NSW efforts to prevent workplace harassment and improve safety.