Gun thefts on the rise in NSW

LAX security at home, a spate of gun thefts from armoured van guards and people keeping weapons in unlocked cars and under their pillows has contributed to an 11 per cent jump in the national gun theft rate.

On the killing of self

A young playwright who took on Australia's worst massacre as a subject turns his eye to the difficult territory of suicide and euthanasia, writes Andrew Stephens.

The gulag across the Tasman

IN THIS confusing economic calamity where the price of men's undies goes down but women's up one Australian export is under particular threat: criminals.

Silver City seeks a heritage first

WITH its disused mine shafts and piles of ore tailings, Broken Hill wouldn't be the first place to come to mind in discussions of "heritage".

Players, coach and now officials behaving badly

FIRST it was the players, then Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler was at the centre of an off-field scandal and now match officials are grabbing headlines for the wrong reasons after the arrest of World Cup final video referee Steve Ganson. The 39-year-old, who was described by The Guardian as one of "Super League's leading referees and certainly its most colourful", was arrested after an altercation at a taxi rank in St Helens last Saturday night. He was not formally charged and has received the backing of the Rugby Football League after being appointed to the high-profile Leeds-Wakefield match this weekend.

Is it a bird? Or a plane? No, it's Hyperman!

Our formerly mild-mannered PM's new persona may be a liability.

Eagles Hold Off Port To Book Spot In Decider

FERNHILL stayed alive, Albion Park booked a grand final spot and Port Kembla found some self-belief in Illawarra Premier League finals action on Saturday.

Shooters Accused Of Gun Bill Deal

A PROPOSAL to wind back the gun laws enacted by Bob Carr after the Port Arthur massacre will be taken to cabinet by the Police Minister amid accusations the Government is doing a deal with the Shooters Party to win its support in the upper house for key legislation.

Law & Order

Perhaps it was inevitable, given our origins as a convict colony. But crime and criminals have long held a fascination for our society - and been a staple ingredient of The Sydney Morning Herald. Our photographers have covered just about every misdemeanour over the past 100 years. Sometimes their pictures have been harrowing - the search for a victim's body in a lonely forest or the horror of the Port Arthur massacre - but always they have added to our understanding of the dark side of human nature.

Man Of Action Had An Inquisitive Mind

ARTHUR GWYNN, MC DOCTOR 5-8-1908 - 31-1-2008

Port's Weighty Issue

THE ability of Port Kembla's road infrastructure to cope with heavy loads is under question after a transport company was refused permission to carry large equipment from the area.

Ten Years On, The Horrors Of Port Arthur Linger

PORT Arthur has seen unspeakable horrors, both ancient and modern.

Port Arthur Survivor Returns With Her Gift Of Song

THE last time Amelia Farrugia was at Port Arthur, she was hiding in terror as Martin Bryant committed Australia's worst mass shooting.

Shedding Light In The Dark Places Of Port Arthur Killer

A CHILDLIKE sketch could provide the first public glimpse inside the mind of Port Arthur mass murderer Martin Bryant.