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Chris Slee reports that professional firefighters in Victoria have won a pay rise.

Community concern about the federal government’s inability to develop a coherent national energy policy was evident at the national community summit on coal power transition, writes Steve O'Brien.

Rural Fire Service volunteer Robynne Murphy, who has been on the bushfire frontline since November on behalf of her local community on the NSW south coast, told Green Left: "I want this government brought down because they have no solutions".

While political elites would have us believe that everything is under control, a political shift is taking place as a result of the bushfire emergency and lack of preparation by state and federal governments, writes Pip Hinman.

Marie Flood and Pip Hinman report from the second hearing into the NSW government's enforcement of the Chief Scientists' guidelines on coal seam gas. They heard disturbing reports from farmers.

While extreme weather events are driving up food prices in Australia, poorer nations experiencing the same extremes face very different and disastrous consequences, writes Pat Brewer.

Protesters marched through Melbourne on February 9 against a proposed religious discrimination bill that, if passed, would increase the ability of religious institutions and individuals to discriminate, writes Kerry Smith.

Emissions from New South Wales coal burnt overseas need to continue to be taken into consideration by planning authorities. But, as Pip Hinman writes, the NSW Minerals Council is pushing the state government to do the exact opposite.

Supporters of justice for Palestine condemned United States President Donald Trump’s “deal” on Palestine and Israel on February 7 in Sydney, reports Jim McIlroy.

A protest was held outside Brisbane's Immigration Detention Centre on February 8 to highlight the inadequate medical treatment and other care being given to refugees brought to Australia from Manus Island and Nauru, reports Alex Bainbridge.

Bran Nue Dae

Bran Nue Dae, the first Aboriginal musical, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a national tour. Original, eclectic, soulful and feisty its speaks of dispossession, racism, resistance and hope. The fact it is still relevant shows how little has changed since its creation, writes Annolies Truman.

Kirk Douglas

Award-winning filmmaker and Hollywood star of more than 85 blockbuster films Kirk Douglas died on February 5 at the age of 103. Peter Frost recalls how Douglas helped break the notorious ban on writers and actors during the early years of the Cold War.