Johann Sebastian Bach's The Art of Fugue is a work of high art. But in keeping with the late works of artists such as Shakespeare, Beethoven and Goya, it contains elements of pathos, humour, gravity, exuberance and tragedy.

As this year ebbs away, Malcolm Turnbull's hold on the leadership will become more precarious if there is no lift in those relentless Newspolls, writes Michelle Grattan.

No matter how George Pell's case is resolved the fact he is facing charges at all is the biggest crisis of Pope Francis's papacy and will test the Pope on just how true he is to his vow to be "zero tolerance" on a problem that has dogged the church for decades, writes Lisa Millar.

INVESTA Property Group is taking counsel from investment banks on the future of its near $9bn office property platform.

BROOKFIELD Multiplex and Credentia Construction are expected to complete works at the $1 billion Emu Brewery in Perth.