Politics
Victoria
Council ordered to hand over records, test parks as more potential asbestos found
Victoria’s environmental regulator has slapped notices on a local council to hand over records and bring in experts to test more parks after asbestos was found in mulch at several sites.
- by Sherryn Groch
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‘Like the Day of the Triffids’: How a researcher saved her friend’s life from the ‘monster’ among us
When Troy complained on Facebook about something weird in his shoulder, one of his friends who took notice was pandemic-famous epidemiologist Catherine Bennett.
- by Sherryn Groch
Exclusive
Public transport
Ditch the timetable: Metro Tunnel trains on track to run every three minutes
The state government initially promised a “turn up and go” service – without specifying precisely how often trains would run.
- by Kieran Rooney
Exclusive
Planning
Garden state status under threat amid squeeze on public open space
Parks and nature reserves are vital for wellbeing. But at the rate Melbourne is densifying and expanding, access to public open space could fall dramatically.
- by Josh Gordon and Royce Millar
Crocs in the chamber? Politicians test boundaries of parliamentary dress code
Some state MPs are ditching their collared shirts, voting in their activewear and even wearing Crocs. But certain limits remain.
- by Broede Carmody
victoria
Photos of the Week
The Age photos of the week, April 6, 2024
The Age photos of the week, April 6, 2024
Autumn leaves turning budget red – must be time to look at the ledger
It’s that time of year when state treasurers get their moment in the thinning sunshine.
- by Mathew Dunckley
Exclusive
Emergency services
Hack attack sparked months of delays for firefighters
A 2022 cyberattack that hobbled the fire service’s dispatch system delayed crews rushing to burning buildings and forced them to use a manual back-up scheme for eight months.
- by Rachel Eddie
Waiting on the weekend: Timetables haven’t moved with the post-pandemic times
Melbourne’s busiest public transport services have not kept up with population growth and changing travel patterns, according to a new analysis.
- by Kieran Rooney
Yoorrook hits back after government rejects ‘crucial’ Indigenous reforms
The Allan government has sought more time to address major reforms requested by the Yoorrook Justice Commission to child protection, justice and police oversight.
- by Kieran Rooney and Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Electricity
Victoria’s revived SEC may not have to compete on level playing field
The new version of the State Electricity Commission looks set to be exempt from a levy designed to stop government businesses having a competitive advantage.
- by Royce Millar and Josh Gordon