The question: Why are politicians like birds? 

The answer: Because they like to feather their own nests with taxpayer’s money. 

Establishing a body to review politicians’ expenses is a white elephant unless a new set of rules is drawn up.

Present allowances are far too generous and far too vague as are the allowances for ex-Prime Ministers.

It is no wonder that radical parties are gaining momentum when the chief ambition of politicians, in the major parties, seems to be self-interest.

Kmart Australia and our charity partners, The Salvation Army and Mission Australia, are overwhelmed by the amazing generosity of Australians who contributed to the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in 2016.

Our appeal closed for the 29th year and has again provided much-needed Christmas cheer with 342,997 gifts distributed to people in need across the country. New South Wales and the ACT accounted for 104,653 of the overall gift tally. 

We know how much it means to those who hit hard times, to know that people out there care and are willing to support in any way that they can during Christmas.

On top of the gifts given, shoppers also showed their generosity online and at Kmart registers donating more than $135,000 in cash contributions, which will continue until the end of January.

We also loved seeing the amazing support from the community, young and old, on social media and can’t thank everyone enough for sharing their posts and encourage others to also give.

On behalf of the entire Kmart team and our friends at the Salvation Army and Mission Australia, I would like to thank each and every person and business who donated to the appeal.

As temperatures soar and reach new records all over the country, please remember that dogs should never be left in parked vehicles, which can become death traps in a matter of minutes.

Even on a mild 25 degree day, the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can soar to between 37 and 50 degrees in minutes and on a 30-degree day, the temperature can reach 70 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Leaving the windows cracked (or even halfway down) and/or leaving water in the vehicle will not keep animals comfortable or safe.

With only hot air to breathe, dogs can succumb to heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes, resulting in brain damage or death. Symptoms include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite and coordination, dark tongue, and vomiting.

Please, when it’s warm outside, leave animals at home. If you see a dog left in a car, have the car's owner paged at nearby stores or call 000 immediately – the dog’s life depends on it.