Why our animal relationships can be as important as human ones

When you visit a new town, where do you go to find out the must-see sights, the best coffee, and the comfiest bed in town? Social media? A tourism website? Or do you make a beeline for the visitor information centre to get the inside info that only a local could know? With so much tourist information now available online, some visitor centres are scaling back face-to-face services, or closing their doors altogether. But do those friendly, helpful faces and real-life conversations offer something a digital experience never will?

There have been repeated calls from across the political divide this week to turn down the heat of our political discourse. After the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines, the way we converse and debate with each other has been called into question. So how has philosophy considered the art of debate and how to engage in respectful discussion?

A survey report released this week says 76 per cent of Australians would have to make sacrifices to their budget if their rent or mortgage rose by $20 a week. For some, that would mean going without food and medication. Housing advocacy group Everybody's Home surveyed 1,150 people between July and September and found one in four were worried they would become homeless if rents continued to rise. Experts agree there's no quick or easy fix. So what would help? From a cap on rental increases to stronger build-to-rent initiatives, we explore the practical measures being put forward to help people find a secure, affordable place to call home.

Have you heard the term the "glass child"? It's used to describe the sibling of someone with a disability or chronic illness. They're called a glass child because they can become less visible than their sibling, who requires extra time and attention. They become the easy kid — not adding to their parents' stress, never needing too much. It's estimated more than 5 million Australians have grown up in that situation. So how can we provide better support to the siblings who the system forgets?

Hitchhikers used to be a common sight across Australian roads. For a few good decades, thumbing a lift to the beach, home from school or further afield on an adventure was common practice. So was picking up strangers, passing time with idle conversation. Today most of us wouldn't dream of hitching a ride — the backpackers murders of the late 80s and early 90s all but brought this pastime to a screeching halt. But there are people who are willing to take the risks, so knowing the risks we do now, is it still worth it?