The home of news, views and analysis for the WA legal profession

Opinion - Page 9

Views and opinions from across the profession.

Beyond the ‘Good bloke defence’: Rethinking good character in sentencing

October 28, 2026

Isobel Millward, Juris Doctor student at UWA, argues proposed reforms to good character sentencing raise important questions about judicial discretion and the need for evidence-based consultation.

Opinion

The AI inflection point: How lawyers will shape Australia’s regulatory future

October 19, 2026

Gad Coffie and Marianne Rose argue that Australia needs urgent AI regulation as autonomous cyber threats emerge, with lawyers playing a critical role in shaping safeguards and protecting confidentiality.

October 16, 2026

Beyond reproductive leave: Building menopause‑friendly workplaces for World Menopause Day

Grace Molloy, founder and CEO of Menopause Friendly Australia discusses the new ISO standard for menopause and how leading organisations are facilitating a broader support program at work.

October 14, 2026

The Court waiting room: An underutilised resource in the litigation process

Cally Hannah reflects on how Court waiting rooms could become valuable spaces for legal education, helping litigants understand processes, options and consequences before entering court.

Opinion

It’s time to make pro bono count as CPD

Is getting your CPD points like making sure you eat your greens? I love spinach, but it’s not for everyone – neither is pro bono work.

July 30, 2025

Opinion

Tough love or workplace bullying? Five red flags you can’t ignore

Is your boss just blunt – or are they crossing a legal line?

July 30, 2025

Opinion

A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case

The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks.

July 18, 2025

Opinion

Court etiquette and a short judicial wish list

Court etiquette, considered from the perspective of a legal practitioner, refers to established rules of behaviour that a practitioner is expected to exhibit towards judicial officers and courts.

July 16, 2025

Opinion

The 12 timeless skills that keep you relevant

Even if you’re unclear on what you want to do with your life or feel you’ve lost your spark, there are timeless skills that not only remain valuable but also help you stand out in surprising ways.

July 8, 2025

Opinion

Enough is enough: it’s time to pay more for legal aid work

The underpayment of lawyers who undertake work for Legal Aid clients by way of grants has reached crisis point nationwide.

July 7, 2025

Opinion

Why public notaries are more important than ever

Notaries date back to ancient Rome. Although the profession developed initially in Italy and then throughout Europe, it eventually reached England and Wales.

July 7, 2025

Opinion

The vital role of empathy when letting people go

In many organisations, the idea of firing employees is seen as taboo. Even giving critical feedback is avoided by many leaders scared of being labelled a bully.

June 18, 2025

Opinion

Domestic violence at crisis point in Western Australia

In May 2024, Mark Bombara killed his wife’s friend and daughter before taking his own life. Police ignored multiple warnings about the impending danger.

June 9, 2025