Bans on drugs do not work. They produce disastrous consequences.

Victoria's anti-corruption agency, IBAC, and its ability to scrutinise members of Parliament have recently been in the spotlight.

• COMMENT

There has been much in the media over the past two weeks about the nexus between sport, protest and politics. 

Gibson's deceit followed a well-worn path of false hope and simplistic solutions, preying on the desperation of critically ill people.

These people are not cluttering our streets; they are living on them.

We should turn off our phones when we get behind the wheel.

The shape-shifting nature of modern terrorism requires constant innovation in response.

Dr Merkel appears to have lost about 8 percentage points in electoral support

There is good reason to toughen and update protections against foreign interference

• COMMENT

Evident flaws include lack of training, lack of expertise and poor English skills. An evident reform is to improve the quality and quantity of staff.

Excessive partisanship aside, the debate has been remarkable for the breadth of community involvement.

It would appear the just outcome is for the developers to assume their legal and ethical responsibilities.

Immunising children not only protects them, but the rest of the community as well.

People and organisations do not donate to politicians out of altruism. They seek influence.

This is all about minimising harm. Substance use is dangerous, and addiction a terrible burden for individuals and society.

In recent days, politicians have sought to twist key economic statistics measuring income, wealth and spending.

The Cassini space probe has proved to be an incredible scientific achievement.

The affair adds to an unpleasant whiff around that ALP.

• EDITORIAL

Whistleblowers are part of the checks and balances necessary to protect the public from insidious crimes and deceptions and from intrusion and over-reach by government agencies.