Australia news live: NSW dog owners face jail time for leaving pets in cars; flood warnings issued for Sydney

Under the proposals, offenders could be fined a maximum of $44,000 and sentenced to a year in prison. Follow updates live

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‘Nothing to prove’: Venus playing free in Open return

The Australian Open starts on Sunday with two-time finalist Venus Williams breaking new ground as the tournament’s oldest female singles player when she returns after five years away.

I have had amazing memories here. I love challenges, so I’m up for the challenge.

The judge has evidence before them of family violence, which by definition is a pattern of violence, control and abuse of power, and yet has opted to collude with the alleged perpetrator, emboldening this person to continue his offences.

The fact that these attitudes permeate the justice system does not surprise me but it is shocking how brazen (these comments) are.”