Flora, fauna and fungi: Labor backs recognition of a third major life group

The Australian Labor Party now explicitly recognises fungi, alongside flora (plants) and fauna (animals). An RMIT expert explains why the move, unveiled at the ALP's recent National Conference, is an important milestone for conservation and protection, and why the organism is so important.

Much of the public housing debate focuses on property values and mortgage affordability. New RMIT-led research highlights another declining area of the housing system that needs urgent policy attention – the long-term decline of social housing.

Testing has confirmed the first mass mortality event of H5 bird flu in South Australia, as cases of infected birds continue to grow across the country.  An expert warns both producers and the wider population need to be vigilant to prevent a wider spread in wildlife and humans.

The Victorian opposition has announced it will expand the Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation to include crimes such as car theft and attempted carjacking, if it wins the November state election. An RMIT expert unpacks the long-term consequences for handing adult jail sentences to youth offenders.