Accountability

A radical shake-up in Western Australia’s government has left even the state’s new health minister, Meredith Hammat, uncertain about where the buck stops. In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Premier Roger Cook revealed that first-time minister Hammat would assume the complex and challenging health portfolio—a decision that has sparked immediate questions regarding how the responsibilities will be shared within the new departmental structure. The move forms part of Cook’s broader strategy to adopt a more team-like approach to health governance, introducing new portfolios for health infrastructure, preventative health, and aged care.

Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar has been handed a three-match suspension and fined $10,000 by the NRL following an incident at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 2. The breach notice, issued on Monday, alleges that Agar grabbed a journalist by the throat during the showpiece event. According to reports, the altercation occurred in a less public area of the stadium, where tensions were already high after the Warriors suffered a 30-8 loss to Canberra.

Four out of five diverse young Melburnians invited to talk politics say they are turned off by the major parties and the two-party system. Here’s what they believe could help democracy thrive.