A Commonwealth royal commission is needed

Readers offer differing views on the establishment of a royal commission.

Fierce winds and hot weather have sparked more than 200 fires in every corner of the state, leaving a trail of destruction and dozens on towns on high alert.

Fierce winds and hot weather have sparked more than 200 fires in every corner of the state, leaving a trail of destruction and dozens on towns on high alert.

Ann and Jamie Laherty-Hunt returned to the fire-ravaged hamlet of Ruffy to find their dream home had been destroyed. But there were little wins in the ruins.

Hospitals have reported a rise in presentations from people with asthma-like symptoms, as the bushfire crisis spreads heavier smoke across Victoria.

After 30 straight hours of constant firefighting, dozens of crews were forced to pull back to make a desperate last stand.

Ask Tyrone Rice about the devastation of the little town of Harcourt and you get a stiff upper lip in response.

Victorians in fire-ravaged towns across the state are grappling with immense loss, as major bushfires continue to pose a threat.

Video shows extensive bushfire damage in Harcourt, Victoira.

A late wind change was expected overnight creating perilous conditions for fires still burning out of control across the state.

A late wind change was expected overnight creating perilous conditions for fires still burning out of control across the state.

The week in photos from our award-winning staff photographers and regular contributing photographers at The Age

The smell of smoke is drifting down to Melbourne, as residents report ash falling into their homes. But weather experts warn the air quality will only deteriorate as smoke settles in across the state on Sunday.

CCTV footage appears to show two men collect items from bins behind Inflation nightclub and put them into a City of Melbourne truck.

We asked writers to share the moments that changed their young lives for The Age 2026 Opinion summer series

A late wind change was expected overnight creating perilous conditions for fires still burning out of control across the state.

A late wind change was expected overnight creating perilous conditions for fires still burning out of control across the state.

More than just a playground for Melbourne’s wealthy during summer, the seaside community in Sorrento still maintains a sense of coastal soul.

Out-of-control bushfires threaten homes in the state’s north and east as firefighters prepare for conditions that are expected to be the worst in Victoria since Black Summer.

A video shared to social media shows several destroyed commercial buildings in the Victorian town.

Out-of-control bushfires threaten homes in the state’s north and east as firefighters prepare for conditions that are expected to be the worst in Victoria since Black Summer. Follow our live coverage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into antisemitism and the Bondi attack. It is now important the inquiry complete its work without a political focus.

Readers respond to the royal commission on the Bondi massacre, and the bushfires, and remember the wise words of a pop icon.

At the Mansfield Showgrounds, animals outnumber people, brought by fire-hit residents from far and wide seeking shelter for them.

At least five houses have been destroyed in the western Victorian town of Natimuk.

Thick, grey smoke is blanketing the town of Yea, and most residents have left. But some are staying to protect their homes and animals.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s station in the city recorded a maximum of 42.9 degrees at 4.04pm. Just over an hour later the temperature had dropped to 31.3 degrees.

Firefighters are urgently searching for three people, including a child, who are missing after the Longwood bushfire destroyed homes and buildings as extreme weather conditions grip the state.

Firefighters are urgently searching for three people, including a child, who are missing after the Longwood bushfire destroyed homes and buildings as extreme weather conditions grip the state.

Firefighters are urgently searching for three people, including a child, who are missing after the Longwood bushfire destroyed homes and buildings as extreme weather conditions grip the state.