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Victorian home building approvals crash to decade low – despite Labor vow
The sharp decline in the number of houses approved for construction casts further doubt on the promise to tackle housing affordability with 80,000 new dwellings a year – and grim construction figures show we’re already behind.
Exclusive
Education
This vice-chancellor’s ‘very lavish’ farewell party cost $127,000. Staff who weren’t invited want answers
The black-tie event at the NGV, featuring a performance by Kate Ceberano, has raised questions from staff, many of whom had their wages stolen.
Opinion
Putin's Russia
What would it take for Russia to use nukes? Leaked files provide a clue
War games and potential scenarios for use of tactical nuclear weapons are detailed in 29 files.
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
US Supreme Court throws out Colorado’s attempt to remove Trump from ballot
The unanimous decision from the nation’s highest court averts what could have been one of the most explosive moments in the 2024 presidential election.
Exclusive
Media & marketing
Conflict over the N-word and Gaza surrounds departure of The Monthly’s film critic
High-profile film critic Shane Danielsen has left the news and culture publication after a dispute centring on the use of the N-word in a review.
The neighbourhoods where you can still find a property for less than $500,000
In some once-affordable areas, the proportion of property sales below the half-million dollar mark has halved - or worse - over the past five years, leaving behind those still looking to buy.
Opinion
Life in the ’burbs
This is the new ‘Toorak tractor’. But the wealthy don’t use it as a work car
If you can get past the assumptions people make when you say you live here, this really is a wonderful place to be … when you’re not at your beach house.
Henry Kalus
Lawyer and writer
How TV doctor Michael Mosley fixed his insomnia
A new SBS show profiles a world-first study from Flinders University setting out to tackle Australia’s sleeplessness problem.
How to cut back on sugar without missing it, plus six snacks for when 3pm strikes
Simply cutting down on sugar isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Try these strategies for a different approach.
Opinion
AFL 2024
Bank on Brisbane: In a predictably unpredictable season, the Lions are the team to rely on
Trying to select the premiership team before the first ball of the season is bounced, is a difficult task. But the Lions have done their apprenticeship, have the right profile and are a safe bet at home.
Jake Niall
Chief football writer, The Age
Olympic send-off in Sydney shapes as Matildas’ 14th straight sell-out
Almost a year on from their last visit to Accor Stadium during the Women’s World Cup, the Matildas will be back in June for their last game in Australia before the Paris Olympics.
Exclusive
Biodiversity
Rare hope for ‘forest fairies’ whose numbers have dwindled to dozens
In some rare good news for the critically endangered lowland Leadbeater’s possum, conservationists have identified 34 in the wild – an increase of 10 possums on the last count.
More people are in the CBD at night but many shops are closed
Research shows there are regularly more people in the CBD between 5pm and 7pm than there are early in the morning.
Linda Reynolds, ex-staffer Brittany Higgins prepare for peace talks
Brittany Higgins and her fiancé David Sharaz are set to come face-to-face with Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds in Perth for peace talks after making the 14,000km journey home.
Once a soapie heartthrob, Andrew has steered himself into an unexpected career
Andrew Morley has traded cameras and TV sets for an unusual alternative career, joining a booming industry that was given a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fitzroy’s newest restaurant is the last thing you might expect from a Michelin-starred chef
French-Italian chef Benjamin Tremblet pays tribute to his nonna Norma at this exciting addition to Smith Street’s dining scene.
★★★★
Airline reviews
Good service is free, but this budget carrier charges for everything else
A flight with Easyjet shows that going with a budget airline doesn’t have to be a miserable experience.
Victoria
Residents were promised a park. They’re now getting a busy rubbish tip instead
A community in Melbourne’s south-east that was told for years that the smelly landfill site near their homes would be turned into parkland once it closed is fighting plans for a waste station.
Exclusive
Political leadership
‘Jacinta doesn’t have the same power as Daniel’: Allan faces backlash over controversial policy move
The premier faces a caucus revolt over proposed changes to Victoria’s workers’ compensation scheme, with unions branding draft legislation offensive and pressuring MPs to ditch it.
Drug deals, robberies, smashed windows: The trouble-plagued strip of the CBD that no one can fix
Traders and residents are copping the brunt of antisocial behaviour and filth at the trouble-plagued southern end of Elizabeth Street.
Infants miss out on check-ups as maternal child health services are cut
Parents are purchasing scales to weigh their own babies as councils in Melbourne’s growth corridors restrict access to maternal child health nurses due to a shortage of workers.
After 17 days with no power, Richard was ready to snap. Now, locals live in fear of blackouts
Climate change is threatening to inflict more wild weather – like the damaging storms that hit the state last month – with the potential to hit electricity infrastructure, raising urgent questions.
Politics
Former McKinsey consultant to succeed Scott Morrison in Cook
Simon Kennedy, who was backed by Tony Abbott, beat local mayor Carmelo Pesce by 158 to 90 votes in the final round of voting.
Business
Mining star Fortescue turns biggest loser, thanks to China slump
The iron ore giant’s months-long stock rally appears to be over as investors turn sour on the company’s earnings growth and high exposure to slumping metal prices.
World
Experts say Gaza is close to famine. What does that mean?
As Palestinians struggle to find food, humanitarians and UN officials are warning that famine is imminent in the enclave. What is it exactly?
Opinion
Russia’s economy faces death by a thousand cuts
Roger Bootle
We always knew Jesse Baird would be famous, just not like this
Hugh Riminton
Journalist and author
Morrison might not have held a hose, but Dutton doesn’t hold a policy
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
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Property
Young family spends $7.5m on century-old Canterbury home in hot auction
Six parties competed for the keys to the six-bedroom home with a swimming pool, attracted by the lack of a heritage overlay and wide frontage.
The Melbourne suburbs where house prices soared over five years
Some suburbs have recorded nearly 40 per cent growth since the end of 2018, and they’re not the usual suspects.
Good Food
Recipe collection
Meal prep
20 healthy weekday lunches to make this month
Lifestyle
‘I didn’t wait for this moment’: Elle Macpherson’s runway return
After more than a decade off the runway, the iconic Australian supermodel will be walking for the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Culture
Expect hissing: this play will animate an audience
As the manipulative husband and his fragile victim, Toby Schmitz and Geraldine Hakewill provoke strong responses.
Traveller
Drivedrive
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Sport
Opinion
AFL 2024
Bank on Brisbane: Why the Lions are the team to rely on in a predictably unpredictable season
Trying to select the premiership team before the first ball of the season is bounced, is a difficult task. But the Lions have done their apprenticeship, have the right profile and are a safe bet at home.
Jake Niall
Chief football writer, The Age
Opinion
Concussion crisis
Sport authorities must ban the victims and the perpetrators of concussion
Will Pucovski must be saved from himself. And St Kilda must stand down Jimmy Webster regardless of the tribunal’s verdict.
Greg Baum
Sports columnist
Olympic send-off in Sydney shapes as Matildas’ 14th straight sell-out
Almost a year on from their last visit to Accor Stadium during the Women’s World Cup, the Matildas will be back in June for their last game in Australia before the Paris Olympics.
Updated
AFL 2024
Clarkson apologises for expletive-laden spray as Webster sent to tribunal for Simpkin hit
Alastair Clarkson has been embroiled in a verbal spray, as St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says there is no defence for Saints defender Jimmy Webster’s heavy bump on North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin in a practice match on Sunday.
Walsh out ‘indefinitely’ for Blues with back complaint; Demon Oliver to play against Sydney
Melbourne midfield star Clayton Oliver will play the opening round against Sydney after a difficult post-season with the club happy with how he’s progressing physically and emotionally.
Pucovski to undergo scans and expert examination after latest blow to head
An expert medical panel is expected to be convened to discuss Will Pucovski’s future after he was struck a nasty blow on the helmet during a Sheffield match.
Sally Fitzgibbons just won an Olympics qualifier. So why hasn’t she qualified?
The Australian veteran has won a record fourth World Surfing Games title. But a convoluted qualifying process means surfers from Germany, Israel and China will take on Teahupo’o instead.
Have Your Say
Player ratings: How Australia’s cricketers performed in first Test
Who starred and who struggled in Australia’s comfortable first Test victory over New Zealand.
