Background Briefing

A new wave of Pentecostal missionaries is dividing remote communities in Australia’s north.

Some are promoting the idea that traditional Aboriginal culture is a type of witchcraft or devil worship, and their followers are setting fire to sacred artefacts in an attempt to drive away the devil.

Aboriginal leaders have accused the preachers of exploiting vulnerable communities.

Erin Parke from ABC Kimberley investigates.

Surf life savers hold an almost mythical status as Australian heroes who risk their lives to save others.

But these dedicated volunteers say they’re being silenced by their own organisation.

Now, they’re speaking out about poor governance and money being spent on surf sports, rather than essential lifesaving equipment.

Kat Gregory hears their stories.

He comes from a family of legal royalty but this judge is attracting controversy.

Judge Sandy Street presides over more refugee cases than any other in the Federal Circuit Court.

His defenders say he’s an extraordinarily hard worker.

But Street’s rulings have been successfully appealed 90 times in the past five years.

Hagar Cohen investigates.

It's mostly illegal to sell nicotine for vaping in Australia, but there are some powerful players who want to change that.

The tobacco industry wants smokers to take up vaping, but it's also getting help from libertarians all over the world who believe the right to vape represents personal freedom.

Ariel Bogle gets onboard the Vape Force One bus to find out more.

You’ve just been released from jail in a country town.

You’re given two nights in a motel, half a dole check, and one set of clothes.

Where do you go from there?

Liz Keen follows repeat offenders as they cycle between rural prisons, grungy roadside motels, and homelessness, in a fight to start their lives over.