Series
City life
Federation Square at 21
The Age explores Melbourne’s controversial quest for a monument of its own, the future of the square and the century-old dream to build a deck over the Jolimont rail yards.
Latest
State shelves dream to fix eyesore dubbed the ‘black hole of Melbourne’
The government has quietly abandoned the idea of decking the Jolimont rail yards next to Federation Square, after successive state leaders have struggled with costly plans for a century.
- by Jewel Topsfield and Royce Millar
Loved, hated, soon to be updated: The next chapter for Federation Square
Jeff Kennett was no fan of Fed Square, but like many Melburnians, has grown to love it. But challenges with Melbourne’s civic space remain.
- by Jewel Topsfield and Royce Millar
‘We were seeking an opera house’: Melbourne’s quest for a monument of its own
Two decades before Melbourne finally got Federation Square, a major competition gripped the imagination of the city - and the world - for the space. This is what they came up with.
- by Jewel Topsfield and Royce Millar
‘Hateful and cowardly’: Melbourne train protest probed after Nazi salutes, antisemitic threats
Police said a group of about 25 people gathered for an “unplanned demonstration” about 1.30am on Saturday.
- by Royce Millar
Exclusive
Planning
Warning of corruption risk under state’s new planning rules
The anti-corruption watchdog and other integrity experts warn putting planning powers in the hands of a minister will not stop the risk of corruption.
- by Royce Millar and Josh Gordon
Exclusive
IBAC
New IBAC chief urged to be a corruption buster amid experience concerns
After a 10-month search, the state government has settled on the deputy of a secretive public monitoring agency to oversee the state’s anti-corruption watchdog.
- by Royce Millar and Kieran Rooney
‘Why would you stay?’ The myriad reasons for Daniel Andrews to go
Within minutes of the former premier’s resignation, the rumour and conspiracy mills were abuzz with questions and theories. But what say those who know him?
- by Royce Millar
The intimidating debt bill facing our new premier
Before the 2014 election, fiscal surgeon Bob Officer signed off on Labor’s election costings. Today he’s less optimistic about the state’s balance sheet.
- by Josh Gordon and Royce Millar
Analysis
Political leadership
Integrity issues never a priority for ‘can do’ premier Daniel Andrews
Andrews always seemed more focused on results than process, and that meant integrity issues suffered under his leadership.
- by Royce Millar
Exclusive
Public housing
Cabinet plan to boost social housing dumped in favour of developers
Cabinet documents reveal a bold social housing plan was abandoned by the Andrews government in favour of measures that help developers.
- by Royce Millar and Josh Gordon