It's estimated 50 per cent of political donations go unreported, making the task of tracking down just who is giving how much to whom, very difficult. With new laws expected to allow corporate donations under $10,000 to remain undisclosed, The Wire spoke to political writer for Crikey.com Christian Kerr, Dr Norman Thompson from Democracy for Sale and journalist Antony Loewenstein about the obstacles they face when chasing the money trail.

An international NGO has appealed to East Timor’s president, Xanana Gusmao to block new legislation they claim will clamp down on political dissent and freedom of the press. The new penal code criminalizes defamation, and could see those found guilty face unlimited fines, even in situations where the defendants have made true statements. Journalists found guilty of publishing defamatory material could face three years imprisonment, under a system that legal observers claim will provide much greater protection to government officials than ordinary citizens. Speaking here are Aderito Soares, a Dili-based human rights lawyer and then John Miller with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network. President Gusmao has now promised to review the laws.

For many, a stay at a homeless shelter can provide a well-needed reprieve from life on the streets. Located in the inner city, Matthew Talbot Hostel is Sydney’s largest hostel for homeless men. But recently, Matthew Talbot Hostel has been criticized by the NSW Users and AIDS Association, or NUAA, after it was revealed that sniffer dogs have been allowed into the hostel on a regular basis. Michael Lodge, the Executive Officer of the NUAA and Megan Groves, Manager at the Matthew Talbot Hostel, spoke to The Wire.

The New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma is now bringing his “Respect and Responsibility” reform plan to public housing. This plan has previously been discussed as a means of introducing greater responsibility in the education system, with students receiving lessons on respect and Australian citizenship. It was extended last week with the announcement of “Parent Responsibility Contracts” as a means of accountability for those at risk of neglecting their children. Next on the agenda could be the need to curb anti social behaviour among public housing tenants. This report features Gary Moore, Director of the NSW Council of Social Service, Maureen Hemsworth - Public Housing Tenant, and NSW State Greens member Sylvia Hale.

It's the great Australian dream, but for thousands in New South Wales home ownership has become a nightmare. The Supreme court has reported this week that applications by lenders to repossess property, have increased by 59% in the last 12 months, and in 95% of cases the borrowers do not contest the case. So why are so many people finding it impossible to keep up mortgage payments? Catherine Lane, is a solicitor at the Consumer Credit Legal Centre, which provides free legal and financial counselling to people have difficulty with debt.