Jamelle Wells

Mar 17, 2024 | abc.net.au | Sarah Hawke |Jamelle Wells

In short: A compensation matter for former Qantas staff who were illegally sacked has returned to court today seeking millions of dollars. The airline announced the sackings in August 2020 after COVID lockdown losses. What's next? The hearing will continue in the Federal Court for the next two weeks. Unions representing hundreds of former Qantas workers are seeking millions of dollars in compensation over their illegal sacking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mar 12, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jamelle Wells

In short: Former psychological examinerPenelope Looker told the royal commission that she suffered a stroke and received no support from the ADF. Ms Looker said the ADF tried to pay her out to silence her after she filed a complaint. What's next? The final block of hearings continues with the final report due in September. A former psychological examiner has told an inquiry the Australian Defence Force (ADF) tried to buy her silence with a secret payout after she made an official complaint.

Mar 11, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jamelle Wells

In short: Senator Lambie's office receives hundreds of calls from veterans complaining about lack of access to mental health services. Cultural change is needed in the top ranks of the defence forces, she told the inquiry. What's next? Senator Lambie called for a database to track complaints about the Australian Defence Force and Department of Veterans Affairs. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has told an inquiry her office receives at least two reports a day about defence suicide.

Mar 5, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jamelle Wells

In short: Former navy diver John Armfield testified at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Mr Armfield said he only learned about an inquiry into the death of his brother, who was in the air force, 10 years after he took his own life, and alleges the ADF tried to discredit him when he sought counselling. What happens next? Defence minister, Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh are due to give evidence on Thursday.

Jan 28, 2024 | abc.net.au | Jamelle Wells

NSW Police has been praised for its "textbook" approach in preventing a "Neo-Nazi demonstration" from spreading hate. Dozens of balaclava-clad members of the National Socialist Network were intercepted on a train on their way into the Sydney CBD on Australia Day and police broke up separate gatherings in Sydney's north on the weekend. Some of group members were from NSW, but at least 20 were from Victoria, with others from Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.