A test of character for football fans
It is an uncomfortable truth that an undercurrent of racism has run through some of the debate surrounding the Houli suspension.
The Age Editorials
Let down yet again by selfish politicians
Despite the theatrics, the principles and goals lawmakers of all hues share outweigh the things about which they disagree. There is much work to do. Concern about inequality is coming to dominate politics across the industrialised world.
Justice requires that Pell be treated fairly
Cardinal Pell has repeatedly and emphatically denied ever having committed any sexual crime.
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.
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.