Lucy Sweeney

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Lucy Barbour |Lucy Sweeney

Every week, Australians seeking a legal form of health care are forced to traverse their home states and territories — sometimes crossing borders — to access an abortion. Depending on where someone lives, and how far into the pregnancy they are, the path to this time-critical procedure can be obstructed by hurdles that amplify fear, trauma and financial disadvantage. Abortion reform has come a long way in recent decades.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Nathan Morris |Lucy Sweeney

The strained marriage of the Liberal and National parties has reached breaking point, with the minor party leader David Littleproud announcing his party will split from the Coalition. It marks a break in a century-long tradition, but it's not the first time tensions have forced the parties apart. Since the 1920s, the conservative partners have drifted apart and come back together, securing the Nationals an at-times outsized and consistent presence in Australia's federal parliament.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Lucy Sweeney |Nathan Morris

Take a 3,000km trip through regional Queensland — it might not be what you expect. It's no secret that Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are courting the votes of regional Australia at the federal election. From fixing the Bruce Highway, to "universal mobile coverage", and a "nuclear vision for regional Australia", the major parties have been pledging billions in early campaign promises outside the capital cities.

Mar 5, 2025 | abc.net.au | Tyne Logan |Lucy Sweeney

After stalling off the coast overnight, Cyclone Alfred is now expected to make landfall later than expected, into early Saturday. Cyclones can be unpredictable, but the prolonged arrival has some important implications for the potential impact when it does cross the coast. On the one hand, affected communities have a bit more time to prepare. But on the other, many will be exposed to damaging winds, huge swell and heavy rainfall for longer.

Dec 11, 2024 | abc.net.au | Lucy Barbour |Lucy Sweeney

When Charlotte (not her real name) asked a doctor in the New South Wales southern highlands for a medical abortion, he ignored her request, gave her a blood test referral and ushered her out of the room. The decision to terminate her third pregnancy was not one she had made lightly. Her youngest daughter was experiencing behavioural challenges and the entire family was struggling. She had hoped the GP would provide a prescription for the abortion pills, known as MS-2 Step.