Morning edition: 14yo on 131 charges: Huge reform quietly axed as child crime rates soar

Email Children as young as 10 have been charged with sex crimes, shocking new statistics show, as authorities make a huge call on plans to let young offenders walk free. See the data.

View in browser 24th February 2025

Today's top stories 14yo on 131 charges: Huge reform quietly axed as child crime rates soar Children as young as 10 have been charged with sex crimes, shocking new statistics show, as authorities make a huge call on plans to let young offenders walk free. See the data. READ MORE   New police taskforce cracking down on gloating gangs SA’s new anti-street gang squad has repeat youth offenders and technology glorifying teenage crime in its sights amid efforts to direct troublemakers into sport and culture. READ MORE   Aussies spending over 11 hours on hold as wait times soar Frustrated Australians spent a staggering 123 million hours a year on hold last year. See which industries are the worst and take our poll. READ MORE   These people are working - but they still can’t afford medicine One in five Australians say they have been unable to afford to get a medicine prescription, with pharmacists saying the “working poor” are hit hardest. 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READ MORE   Taxpayers warned about paying twice for ‘failed hydrogen hoax’ The opposition has warned taxpayers they may face paying for the state’s flagship hydrogen project twice, despite the decision to READ MORE   A Melbourne dad’s grisly death and $20m of missing cocaine: An Adelaide shipping yard mystery The Altona North man was scaling stacked containers with a grappling hook trying to retrieve 50kg of high-quality cocaine from South America when he slipped and fell at an Adelaide... READ MORE   Ukraine’s message on grim anniversary Ukraine’s ambassador is calling on Australia to “stand with” his country as its fight against Russian invaders enters a third year, warning “state-based mobsters” also threaten the... READ MORE   ‘It broke me’: SA dad given six months to live after stomach pains It wasn’t until dad Steven Riley fainted from stomach pains did he go to the hospital — there he learnt he likely only had six months to live. READ MORE   Tough new penalties for animal abuse The state parliament has voted in sweeping changes to the Animal Welfare Act. READ MORE   Green light for towering luxury hotel in East End Offering sweeping views of the Adelaide parklands, this new hotel and apartment complex is aiming to lure high-end clients and residents. See the pictures. READ MORE   Business class seats starting at $369 in seven-day Qantas sale The airline is offering one million discounted business class and economy seats on flights to 60 destinations across Australia. See our expert’s tips on getting the best deal. READ MORE   Aussie arrested in Switzerland An Australian man has been arrested in Zurich, according to local media reports, over an alleged stabbing, with government officials making desperate attempts to contact him. READ MORE   From our network The shocking way the Neighbours cast found out the show was axed They went to bed one night practicing their lines. The next morning, the Neighbours cast learned they no longer had a gig. READ MORE   Woolies to release collab with US giant Woolworths has joined forces with a world-famous dessert chain to bring Aussies a very special treat. READ MORE   Why Aussie men are avoiding sex New research shows that almost one in five Australian men avoid intimacy and sex with a partner as they reveal the extent of their insecurities. READ MORE   Pain at the pump: Aussies getting ripped off at 5 per cent of servos Australian motorists have been shortchanged to the tune of $36m with five per cent of petrol pumps revealed to be ripping off consumers. READ MORE   The electric car powered by petrol This quirky crossover blends elements of electric driving with the best parts of combustion cars. But there’s a catch. READ MORE   Keyboard warrior or king, time to take Trump literally It has long been said Donald Trump should be taken seriously, not literally. Now he is backed by a team that doubles down rather than backs down, Tom Minear argues it is time rethi... READ MORE   I’m a physio – if you only have 10 mins do this workout If you’re short on time, then these are some exercises you can do at home to feel healthier and fitter. See what you can achieve in just 10 minutes. READ MORE   ‘Terrible stories’: Midnight Oil rocker gives voice to lost fans Rock legend Jim Moginie shared a deeply personal adoption story in his memoir – now fans are bringing him their own tales of tragedy and joy. READ MORE   Why Lynne McGranger is done with Home and Away Thanks to her beloved character, Irene, Lynne McGranger is the longest-running female cast member on Home and Away. There may be no place like Home, but she’s done with Summer Bay. READ MORE   Where Yellowstone star is really stashing millions Kevin Costner is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood and the Yellowstone star has a huge stash of cash locked up in one big spot. READ MORE   ‘I need his rocket babies’: More saucy Elon texts revealed Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair dreamt of having a baby with Elon Musk, according to leaked texts from her former friend. READ MORE   Star performs hit song in honour of fatal shark attack victim Superstar Billie Eilish has performed an emotional tribute song to fatal shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda in front of a sold out Brisbane Entertainment Centre. SEE THE VIDEO. READ MORE   7 surprisingly simple ways to reset your gut health Ditch digestive issues READ MORE   ‘He was really chill’: Coast influencers dine with Drake One of the biggest rappers on the planet has been spotted at one of the Gold Coast’s hottest dining destinations. SEE THE VIDEO READ MORE   ‘Very alone’: Star recalls gunpoint assault It was her ‘most vulnerable’ moment. Now, Sandra Sully has opened up about the lasting impact of a violent assault at gunpoint nearly three decades ago. 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