Despite the so-called ban on plastic bags, plastic pollution remains prevalent – and Victoria’s waste crisis has only exposed the inefficacy of our recycling schemes.

A stunning win in the first Ashes Test has sparked new-found faith in Australian cricket. But is it the beginning of a renaissance after a period of decline and disgrace, or is it just due to the freakish talents of one Steve Smith?

“Sources close to the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) say its lawyers were surprised to learn neither the Department of Justice nor the Territory’s chief judge had received a formal complaint from the agency about Alice Springs Local …”

While sporting bodies vow to embrace diversity and uphold a policy of maximal inclusion, the fans cheering from the sidelines may have very different priorities.

Once, one-day cricket was beamed free to all Australian TV sets, the commentators were beloved and the on-field theatrics magical. Now we have a six-week World Cup that is struggling to raise a flicker of interest.

In the Northern Territory, a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to domestic violence has led to claims of police overstepping their powers and questions about how far preventive measures should be taken.

The two-day hearing of Cardinal George Pell’s appeal against child sexual assault convictions ended on Thursday. The most senior Catholic to be found guilty of child abuse now waits to see if he will be freed.

Andrew Bolt’s claims that 18C suppresses him from openly debating Muslim immigration reveal a martyr complex.

The child protection system struggles to balance the needs of children at risk with the desire to keep families together.