Karen Middleton Australia’s already-contentious Manus Island refugee services contract faces further complications from local landholder politics.

Russell Marks 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.

Catie McLeod Victoria’s passing of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act has offered hope for those with terminal illness. But while some refuse to support the legislation, others think it doesn’t go far enough.

Mahmood Fazal Chinese dissident cartoonist Badiucao is observing the Hong Kong demonstrations, finding new heroes to join Liu Xiaobo and tank man in his art practice. “I think being brave is a kind of novelty, it’s not a common trait within everyone. Everyone has the potential, but I don’t believe we must force everyone to be brave. That is why when you see people sacrifice themselves, people like the tank man, it’s so inspiring because it’s beyond our nature. It’s something we should celebrate.”

James Boyce It is a peculiar fact that during the same period the number of practising Christians went into sharp decline, the church grew to be larger than it has ever been. Proportionally fewer Australians now attend worship than at any other time in history, and yet never have so many used Christian services. This is a paradox directly relevant to the ‘religious freedom’ debate. The policy agenda being promoted by emboldened activists would not only negatively affect LGBTQIA people, it would impact everyone.

Paul Bongiorno The tax cuts impasse between the government and the opposition has opened the way for a familiar play from the senate crossbench. As Scott Morrison was basking in the warmth of a holiday in Fiji, it was the Centre Alliance senator Rex Patrick who was taking full advantage of a moment in the sun.

Evan Williams If Trivago is looking for a new face for its omnipresent ads, it need look no further than Bridget McKenzie. The Nationals deputy leader knows a thing or two about hotels, having just received Canberra’s coveted award – Most Travel Allowances of the Year – by charging taxpayers $1400 a week to stay in hotels at least three out of five nights last year. Congratulations, Senator. Your prize is one Bronwyn Bishop taxpayer-funded helicopter ride to a Sky News studio of your choice.

Many at the time saw Australia’s response to the shooting down of MH17 as evidence of Tony Abbott’s potential statesmanship. History has shown it to be a triumph of Julie Bishop’s diplomacy. And it remains a vital reminder of the role organisations such as the United Nations can, and should, still play in our grand bargain.

Mike Seccombe With the growing popularity of ethical investments, superannuation funds are lobbying companies to clean up their act. But some say the funds should focus squarely on maximising profits for their members.

Jonathan Pearlman Xi Jinping visits North Korea. Man jailed for spreading footage of mosque shootings. Freed activist joins HK protests. Charges over MH17.

Geordie Williamson By focusing on the human stories of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, HBO’s Chernobyl offers a portrait of ordinary heroism – and a vision of how we might deal with climate catastrophes to come.

Tai Mitsuji Despite some underwhelming curatorial choices, the National Gallery of Australia’s Monet: Impression Sunrise has its moments of transcendence.

Elizabeth Flux A visit to the studio of composer Cale Sexton to discuss his commission for the Federation Bells.

Annie Smithers

Leanne Altmann The beverage director for Andrew McConnell’s restaurants recommends her favourite wines, and sake, for winter.

Kieran Pender After a tumultuous few months marred by speculation and scrutiny, the Matildas’ fightback against Brazil showed a team determined to prove its critics wrong.

Cindy MacDonald Test your general knowledge with our weekly quiz.