But expanding the Snowy Hydro scheme does not fix the problems of years of neglect of a national plan.

The tension between development and environmental preservation is a contest of the fast and the slow. Port Douglas, the once thriving Queensland tourist mecca, is facing a slow decline as the Great Barrier Reef, formerly its big attraction, quietly dies beneath the waters to its east and north.

The third Test is as much about posturing as playing.

• Editorial

Canberra is sounding the alarm loud and clear at the likely direction of United States policy in our region under President Donald Trump.

During the next two months Europe could emerge more divided and nationalistic than ever.

It is possible – but not certain - that the One Nation revival will burn up like Clive Palmer's star did. The forthcoming Queensland state election will be crucial.

There's no easy choices for the disability dilemma.

Minister Alan Tudge and his head of department seem more interested in spinning their way out of responsibility than finding solutions.

The new managing director must be more transparent about her long-term plans.

• Editorial

The fall of Mosul, when it comes, will likely end the dream of the caliphate, but the situation then becomes even more complex and dangerous when uneasy alliances disintegrate.

• Editorial

For millions of women the world over, winning the freedom to choose how they look ranks a long way down the list of priorities.

It's raising irresponsible behaviour to another level when an influential political figure urges Australians to distrust doctors and medical evidence.

This one reform could go a long way towards restoring MPs' reputations and rebuilding trust with the electorate.

Candid portraits of 10 amazing women help focus on positive body image ahead of Women's Day.

When the party's over for another year, the disheartening reality of life for so many gay, lesbian and transgender Australians will return.

The threshold for what qualifies as unlawful race-hate speech is problematic. So is the future of commissioner Gillian Triggs.

• Editorial

Torch of liberty and truth in our hands handed down the generations.

If Michael Photios's move is seen as a victory for the former prime minister, it is a hollow one.

Players are simply at the mercy of the concussion rules; they rely on the skills and integrity of care-givers after being hit.

The Herald recommends Geoffrey Rush as Turnbull up against Russell Crowe as the budgie-smuggler driven by God and Queen to drag Australia back into his old-world view. Magda Szubanski would be a shoo-in for Best Supporting Actress as Pauline Hanson.

Getting into a car as a passenger is an act of trust: we trust that the driver will be responsible, alert, skilful and knowledgeable enough to get us to our destination without mishap.

• Editorial

The practical purpose of the historic first visit by a sitting Israeli Prime Minister to our shores is to deepen the business relationship between our two countries by "expanding co-operation in cyber-security, innovation and science, agri-tech, energy and resources and the environment". But when Israel is involved, politics is unavoidable.

The government is exposed to an almighty scare campaign – and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten did not disappoint.

An arms race to win over the extremes will only backfire.

Perhaps the best change is the shift away from the social and historically context of physics, to be replaced by a focus on the rules and formulas that explain processes.

The likes of Australia Border Force Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg looms large as a short-term agent of culture change in the NSW force.

Cases such as Grant Hackett's highlight the importance of mentoring young athletes as the pressure builds on them to not only perform but also to try new things that their status and income allows.

Even before European settlers colonised many parts of Australia, cats were digging their claws into the country.

There's a strong case for the government to apply a modest increase in the Medicare levy, cancel tax cuts for big business and reduce the capital gains tax discount.