Surgeon's death shows hospital security flaws
This appalling incident is not isolated - there were more than 8600 reports of occupational violence in Victoria's public hospitals in the year to July 2016.
The Age Editorials
Census shows our dynamism and diversity
The data from the census is laden with political and public policy implications.
Official probe needed into retirement villages
An investigation by Fairfax Media and the ABC's Four Corners into one of the biggest companies in the sector should spark concerns across the nation.
Proper debate on sugar tax far from 'bonkers'
We have seen how taxes on tobacco have reduced health-related issues associated with smoking.
Language test proposal unfair
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton reckons most Australians would consider the proposed changes "perfectly reasonable". We doubt that. Most Australians can readily spot - and hold in disdain - jingoism, hypocrisy and cant.
A welcome outbreak of Canberra compromise
The Age welcomes the outbreak of moderation and progress. We have been arguing that the traditional divide between "left" and "right" has become meaningless, and is a barrier to sensible public policy debate.
Hanson shines a light on needs-based funding
It appears the One Nation leader is ignorant of the bountiful research that has long shown integration into the mainstream education system gives children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions the optimal opportunity to thrive.
Fire-safety audit of apartment blocks is imperative
We have scant confidence in the Planning Minister's assurance that a fire of a similar size to that of Grenfell Tower is not possible in Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia.
The population debate we have to have
Melbourne's traffic congestion is arguably the greatest brake on prosperity, because of the distorted structure of the state's economic growth.
Terrorists win when communities overreact
There is no way to completely prevent attacks, but Australia's security personnel are among the best.
Weapons laws welcome but caution needed
It has proved far too easy for Victorians to obtain an illegal gun, and innocent lives have been lost.
The gentle case for assisted dying
This is not about the inalienable right to life. It is about the right to a choice, under limited and strictly controlled circumstances.
Crime statistics a wake-up call
Any meaningful long-term policy must address the root causes of crime, primarily disadvantage.
Refugee payout reflects government's guilt
The move is a concession that the treatment of asylum seekers in mandatory offshore detention is indefensible.
Bollards useful but attack risk will remain
While bollards are a necessary part of comprehensive security, they should not create a false sense of security.
Tax isn't our enemy but reform sorely needed
The Age is not accusing people of acting irrationally. We are saying taxation and other laws are leading to unfair outcomes and so are not in the public interest.
Fairness central to the new world order
The conventional political cleavage of ‘‘left’’ and ‘‘right’’ is obsolete, and those terms are all but meaningless.
Advance, Australia, but remember to be fair
The fundamental reason far fewer women than men are nominated for honours is that men continue to dominate positions of power throughout the nation.
The mob is revolting
The outcome does become confusing when the view of the majority is less than resounding.
Report paves way for end of climate plan war
Plan is politically palatable proxy for a carbon price – a clean energy target.