Advocacy experts have warned that slashing funding to interest groups could damage society and said many in the sector believed their funding was at risk if they were too critical of Government departments and State agencies.

THE number of racist incidents reported to one of the country’s top intercultural watchdogs soared by 60% in the last six months of last year.

CIVIL liberties groups have warned that the Government’s proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill may violate international law if asylum-seekers are summarily refused entry to the country.