How laws change, and why it takes time

In episode four of How Australia Works, follow Rodney Croome’s campaigns to overturn Tasmania’s laws criminalising consensual sexual activity between men and achieve marriage equality. His story helps explain why legal change can take years and how personal stories, public support, courts and parliament can help change the law.

How Australia Works is available in 60 languages. Explore the series in other languages.

Credits:

How Australia Works is a podcast from SBS Audio and Australia Explained.

Host: L-FRESH The LION

Research and journalism: Gonzalo Aguirregomezcorta

Sound design, mix, original music and theme: L-FRESH The LION

Law and civics consultant: Dr Jacinta Sassine, School of Law, Western Sydney University

Artwork and design: Francesco Ortiz and Yudai Urushima

Writers: Josipa Kosanovic and Susan Burchill

Created and produced by: Josipa Kosanovic

Editor, Australia Explained: Roza Germian

Head of Educational and Essential Services, SBS Audio: Janine Googan

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia where this podcast is made and heard. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this continent.

Parliamentary Material Australian House of Representatives excerpts courtesy of the Parliament of Australia. Copyright Commonwealth of Australia. Used under Creative Commons licence, subject to applicable licence terms.