AUSTRALIA would most likely follow should Dutch troops withdraw from southern Afghanistan, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson says. Mr Nelson gave the warning to 12 Dutch parliamentarians in the Afghanistan capital of Kabul this week, The Australian newspaper reported. The Dutch Parliament is considering whether to pull its troops out of the Oruzgan province following a series of casualties and the turning tide of public opinion in the Netherlands about the conflict.   more »

Ministers have been taken aback by the 24-hour strike by prison officers. But they should not have. The POA national executive took their vote 2 weeks ago, so government was well aware that a strike would take place if they did not talk to them. This government has been accused by many of being distant, no longer listening, no longer engaging in the discussions with.....   more »

If a 16 or 17 year-old Community Support Officers has to give evidence in court they will be entitled to the protections afforded to a child witness!   more »