Dutton’s track will only lead us backwards 

Readers respond to John Howard’s legacy as prime minister, Gerald Risdale’s death and the price of coffee.

Readers respond to how the education system treats children with autism.

The last time Victoria experienced such a prolonged heatwave was 2009, when Black Saturday saw the Mallee record 12 days above 40 degrees. Follow our rolling coverage.

As crews try to contain blazes in the Otways, Victoria’s fire chief has warned about the tinder-dry conditions.

As crews try to contain blazes in the Otways, Victoria’s fire chief has warned over the tinder-dry conditions.

A Daylesford shop almost had to close for good after a donation resulted in bedbugs running up the arms of a volunteer.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by The Age picture editors

Tumbleweeds are filling up the streets of the outer west, blocking doorways and covering front yards for metres, creating fuel for potential fires.

School yards buzzed with excitement as many of the 79,000 preps starting at government schools arrived for their first day.

The abduction of Karmein Chan in 1991 changed Melbourne forever. Veteran crime reporter John Silvester talks to the police officer who was first on the scene, and first to question the “Mr Cruel” theory.

A nursing student asked a Facebook group for a question about an exam she had already taken. Then she was accused of cheating.

The driver who crashed into diners outside a Daylesford pub during a medical episode will be compelled to testify at an inquest after trying to avoid it.

The last time Victoria experienced such a prolonged heatwave was 2009, when Black Saturday saw the Mallee record 12 days above 40 degrees. Follow our rolling coverage.

The teachers’ union says more curriculum days are vital for educators to get on top of their workloads, but others say it will place an extra burden on families.

Stay up to date with Victoria’s heatwave and bushfire threats on Tuesday, January 27.

Amid Victoria’s all-time highest temperature, wildlife services worked to protect the state’s animals before more sweltering days.

Readers argue that the Australian government should keep well away from Trump’s Board of Peace initiative.

The Mallee has broken Victoria’s heat record. But for the locals who have to live with extremely hot weather, it’s all part of life in the region.

As the state nears Black Saturday levels of burnt land, Victorians brace for the worst.

When Border Force officers found the hidden material on the married father’s phone, he said: “My life is over now, isn’t it?”

Joel Shackleton’s lawyers say Shane Patton, who was police commissioner at the time, was “actively involved” in their client’s case.

Usually, Michael Blackburn’s tankers are used for farm duties. But throughout January, their main role has been keeping his property safe.

Stay up to date with Victoria’s unfolding heatwave and bushfire threats with our live blog.

As a new cohort of Victorian students make the exciting leap from primary to high school, parents are being encouraged to learn how to help.

Melbourne is forecast to swelter through a maximum 45 degrees on Tuesday, but a cool change at night will send temperatures plummeting.

Some marchers were draped in Australian flags, others were observed hurling abuse at people of colour and, at one point, an Asian restaurant.

Residents have been told to get out of the Otways danger zone, before a day of extreme heat that has triggered a statewide total fire ban.

Readers argue that you can have different views on the Australia Day date and still celebrate our country.

Residents have been told to get out of the Otways danger zone by sunset, before a day of extreme heat that has triggered a statewide total fire ban.

They lacked the PA systems and the polished choreography of previous protests, yet the unmistakable echoes of neo-Nazis rang out through the chants and the crowd in Melbourne on Monday.