JOY Drive

1 May 2024

End use of drug dogs, reduce police presence at future Mardi Gras: study

Government & Organisations, LGBTIQA+ Community, Personal Safety

A study of policing at WorldPride and Mardi Gras events in 2023 found it was heavy-handed and damaging to its relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community.

A group of law academics, legal professionals and advocates has called for a scaling back of police operations at future Mardi Gras events after a study of policing at Sydney World Pride and Mardi Gras venues in 2023 found it to be excessively aggressive, invasive and in some cases, potentially unlawful.

The study was authored by academics from UNSW Sydney, the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle and was published recently in the journal Current Issues in Criminal Justice. It comes in the wake of increased scrutiny of policing in relation to the LGBTQIA+ communities following the decision by Mardi Gras organisers to ask NSW Police to not wear their uniforms in this year’s parade.

Guest:  Dr Louise Boon-Kuo, Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney Law School.

Presenter:  Warren Andrewe

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:57 — 19.4MB)

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26 Jan 2026

Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Why We’re Pushing Back Against Perfect Faces

Fashion & Beauty, Popular Culture, Society & Culture

After years of smooth, interchangeable faces on screens, something is shifting. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne unpacks why expressive, readable faces ...

26 Jan 2026

Dr Dee Tomic: Work Participation, Inequality and Feeling Safe at Work

Careers, Psychology, Society & Culture

Work participation isn’t just about skills or effort; it’s shaped by whether workplaces feel safe, welcoming and secure. Dr Dee ...

26 Jan 2026

Nicole Rich: What Renters and Donors Need to Know After a Disaster

Consumer Affairs, Finance, Law, Personal Safety, Society & Culture

After bushfires and other disasters, everyday rules around renting, repairs and donations can quickly become unclear. Nicole Rich outlines renter ...