Yesterday
MPs drop $30m on expenses in three months
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the pack, spending $684,665 between July and September 2022, newly released data show.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Leadership lessons
Albanese is running Australia like a low-energy state premier
Labor would be foolish to blame their poll slide solely on interest rates. Their problem is their model of governance belongs in the cheap-money era.
- Tim Wilson and Jason Falinski
This Month
- Analysis
- International affairs
Albanese reaches for Keating’s Asian mantle
In a speech that canvassed all the issues on his foreign policy plate, there was one section that stood out.
- James Curran
- Analysis
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The political establishment isn’t backing the Palestinians
An anti-Israel petition for politicians secured only 215 signatures, mostly minor figures, demonstrating support for the Jewish state in political circles.
- Aaron Patrick
NT chief minister resigns after shares scandal
Natasha Fyles has quit eight months out from an election after failing to declare a parcel of South32 shares.
- Neve Brissenden
- Opinion
- Health insurance
Keeping premiums affordable requires modern healthcare
If Labor wants to keep health insurance affordable to take pressure off the public system, tougher reforms are needed to make our health system more efficient and sustainable.
- Rachel David
Former Plibersek adviser appointed to top universities job
Luke Sheehy will head Universities Australia just as the first major review of the sector is due to be made public.
- Julie Hare
- Analysis
- Middle East tensions
Is Australia’s delay on US warship request dithering or prudent?
The opposition accuses the government of dithering. But it would be a dangerous mission, and there are powerful historical precedents.
- James Curran
- Opinion
- Federal election
Labor is polls apart from Christmas last year
The government has lost every significant advantage it held this time last year.
- Phillip Coorey
Labor takes a hit on immigration, cost of living
November’s High Court ruling on the permanent detention of non-citizens appears to have cost Labor politically.
- Phillip Coorey
Labor loses lead, PM’s ratings slump: poll
Labor has lost its lead and would be pushed into minority government if an election were held today, according to The Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll.
- Phillip Coorey
Queensland a fight on two fronts for Labor: Chalmers
Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the most senior federal MP from Queensland, says the Albanese government will need to win over Greens voters and fight “the old enemy” at the next federal election.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Satire
From Cro-Magnon to COP: how to stay on the wrong side of history
Chris Bowen is calling the end of fossil fuels. But the record of his ancestors suggests that you should not count them out just yet.
- Rowan Dean
- Analysis
- Australian economy
Why interest rate cuts are in sight
History shows that central banks often begin cutting rates before annual inflation falls back to target. Markets are now pricing in two cuts before the end of 2024.
- John Kehoe
- Exclusive
- Industrial relations
Union official boasts Burke won’t stop port strikes
A senior official from the maritime union has been recorded boasting that Labor has told the union it won’t intervene in the three-month port strikes.
- David Marin-Guzman
- Opinion
- Federal budget
Chalmers’ best budget effort must be sustained
Jim Chalmers has resisted pressure to spend a $64 billion tax windfall. The tougher test will be showing sustained fiscal discipline and getting the runaway NDIS under control.
- John Kehoe
- Opinion
- Federal election
Why Dutton feels confident in attack mode
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is using every opportunity to target the Labor government, confident that he is ending this year with the political momentum rather than Anthony Albanese.
- Jennifer Hewett
- Opinion
- Immigration
Labor’s quick fix for record immigration levels
Labor needs a quick fix on immigration. Will targeting dodgy vocational colleges and fast tracking professionals earning $135,000 satisfy a community unhappy with record numbers?
- Jennifer Hewett
Appetite for user pays in aged care, says government
The government is softening up voters for increased aged care fees, citing polling that claims people are willing to pay up to 40 per cent of the cost.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Government
Behind Palaszczuk’s exit from politics
Annastacia Palaszczuk knew it was time to go as Queensland premier. But will that save the Queensland Labor government?
- Jennifer Hewett
