Karl Hoerr

Sydney

Associate Editor at Law Society Journal

Regional Content Producer, ABC News

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Articles

How reforming organ donor laws could save lives

1 week ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

By - Jun 16, 2025 10:52 am AEST The laws governing organ donation and the use of human tissue in Australia are currently the subject of a review by the Australian Law Reform Commission. Not since 1977 have the country’s human tissue laws undergone a major, national review. What is the scope of this review and how might any changes improve access to a medical lifeline?
King’s Birthday Honours recognise role of law

2 weeks ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

Ball made special mention of solicitor member John Colvin, who is being made a Member of the Order of Australia, for significant service to the non-for-profit sector, and to the law. “Mr Colvin has enjoyed a remarkable career, including most recently leading the Australian Institute of Company Directors,” said Ball. She noted his progression from being admitted as a solicitor at a major firm, to partner, then head of the firm’s Sydney office.
Key changes to use of DNA evidence in courtrooms

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

By - May 23, 2025 10:16 am AEST It’s been a vital tool in solving crimes for many years, but in some cases DNA evidence has resulted in wrongful convictions. Its ability to answer ‘who’ a DNA profile belongs to is widely accepted, less so ‘how’ the profile got wherever it was found. A new method of scientific reporting provides a framework for the data but remains controversial and is yet to be adduced at a trial in Australia.
End to no-grounds eviction among rental reforms now in force

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

Under the changes which come into force today, owners will be required to provide a valid reason for ending a lease and longer notice periods will apply to some leases. If renters find a new property after receiving notice of eviction, they’ll also find it easier to end their lease early. In addition to ending no-grounds evictions, the government is also allowing tenants to apply to keep pets.
A missing narrative

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

By - May 14, 2025 9:00 am AEST Long-running, at times deflating and potentially re-traumatising, the administration of justice for serious crime can be a painful process. Why do victims of crime feel out of the picture, and what does this disconnect mean for overall confidence in the judicial process? The politics of law and order can become particularly heated.
Michelle Rowland appointed new Attorney General

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

Rowland, whose Sydney seat includes Seven Hills and parts of Blacktown and Rous Hill, replaces Victorian MP Mark Dreyfus, who lost his front bench position last week, when factional arrangements were settled following the election. In a message posted on LinkedIn, Rowland said she was deeply honoured to be appointed to the position. “The foremost priority of any government is to keep Australians safe,” she said.
Michelle Rowland named to Attorney General

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

Rowland, whose Sydney seat includes Seven Hills and parts of Blacktown and Rous Hill, replaces Victorian MP Mark Dreyfus, who lost his front bench position last week, when factional arrangements were settled following the election. The 53-year-old was elected to the seat of Greenway in 2010 and became Minister for Communications after Labor’s victory in the 2022 election, having served in a range of shadow portfolios in opposition.
Solicitors dominate new Local Court appointments

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

The appointments of Paul Blunt, Kirk Dailly, Tania Johnson, Simon Joyner, Marguerite Vassall, Ann Lambino and Lucas Swan will bring the total number of magistrates in the state to 159, which the government says is a record. Attorney General Michael Daley says he’s delighted to be announcing the appointments to the NSW Local Court, the busiest jurisdiction in the country.
Government re-election “historic opportunity” for human rights-based housing policy

1 month ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

By - May 08, 2025 11:25 am AEST A human rights lawyer says Australians are looking for “transformative change” in response to the housing crisis, following the federal election. Housing and the cost-of-living were dominant themes during the campaign, which saw Labor re-elected with an increased majority.
Why the Coalition’s work from home policy hit a nerve

2 months ago | lsj.com.au | Karl Hoerr - |Karl Hoerr

By - Apr 15, 2025 2:41 pm AEST Dumping a policy during an election campaign wouldn’t be unprecedented, but it’s probably not that common either. So Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s move to spike a requirement for Commonwealth public servants to return to the office full-time, is being seen as a measure of the depth of feeling among many Australians about working from home.