Defence has “alarmingly” created an $800,000 office in its headquarters for its Minister Richard Marles complete with his embossed name on the door but forget to tell him they were even doing it or why.

A courtroom showdown looms between Kooyong MP Monique Ryan and her chief of staff Sally Rugg after the pair were unable to settle an unfair dismissal dispute through mediation.

Victorian researchers are leading an international team to identify and treat women with the life-threatening disease pre-eclampsia when it develops late in pregnancy.

Parents are prioritising their kids’ sporting activities above other household outgoings, with mums and dads revealing they would rather make sacrifices elsewhere in the weekly budget if possible.