Background Briefing

TAFE has been the collateral damage from the federal government’s botched $6 billion scheme to fund vocational education and training. Reporter Paddy Manning investigates the rorting and the incompetence.

Wayne Carberry's traditional fishing rights are protected by law. So why are his people being jailed and fined for it? Bronwyn Adcock investigates a 21st century dispossession.

To build the McArthur River mine they had to move a mighty river. Then the waste dump spontaneously ignited. Belatedly the federal government realised protected species were at risk. Jane Bardon investigates how the mine got into so much trouble.

The Victorian state government wants to limit the damage following the finding that seven babies who died at a regional hospital probably shouldn't have. Will they get away with it? Rachel Carbonell investigates.

The red flags were obvious: Fazel Chegeni's mental health was in decline. Medical staff issued warnings, and even Immigration case workers advocated for his release. Ann Arnold investigates why he died in the Christmas Island detention facility.

The Matildas are our most successful football team ever and they're also the first national team to go on strike. Sarah Dingle investigates why the women decided to play hardball.

Junk science journals. Who knew? Increasing numbers of academics are being lured by 'predatory publishers' with flattery and incredible promises. Hagar Cohen investigates one of the biggest of the alleged 'predatory' publishers, and their dodgy practices.

The huge Chinese owned Shenhua coal mine on the Liverpool Plains has unified farmers and environmentalists in opposition to it. The government says if the giant open cut damages the underground water supply it will be stopped. But opponents aren't buying that Wendy Carlisle investigates.

How does a sacred site get knocked off the heritage list? Reporter Sarah Dingle investigates how ancient rock carvings on the Burrup Peninsula in WA and elsewhere have been knocked off the protection list and left vulnerable to mining companies

Young men have taken to sports betting apps like ducks to water, and this addictive and easy way of betting is fuelling a whole new group of problem gamblers, some of whom are being offered inducements to keep losing like free bets and sports tickets. Ann Arnold investigates dubious practices in the online and mobile sports betting world