Numerous studies have shown that keeping pets – especially dogs and cats – improves immunity, as well as mental and cardiovascular health.

The ACTU has moderated its minimum wage request from last year but says wage growth is critical, while business groups and state governments call for caution.

Costings from the Parliamentary Budget Office, commissioned by the Greens, show the abandonment of the Resource Super Profits Tax had cost federal governments $69 billion since 2012.

Five years after Victoria’s landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence reports to police are at an all-time high, women are being hospitalised because of family violence at the same rates and 26,000 women and children are being turned away from housing services every year.

NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes has put a stop to billions of dollars worth of new residential development earmarked for Sydney’s north-west until he can be satisfied there are adequate evacuation routes.