![The Pulse](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/03/01/4074166/thepulse2.jpg)
Alex Ellinghausen and Andrew Meares.
Federal Politics Wrap: September 30, 2013
![Anne Summers with former PM Julia Gillard before tonights event at the Opera House with her conversation with the former PM
Smh news
Photos Ben Rushton
September 30 2013](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/30/4790697/1_dn-gillard-thumb-20130930183555797532-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Former prime minister Julia Gillard has been fairly quiet and chosen her words with great care since she was replaced by Kevin Rudd in late June. Tonight she gives her first lengthy interview. It's a pleasure to have your company as we listen in.
Federal Politics Live: September 24, 2013
![albanese, shorten](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/13/4747016/th-alboshorten1-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Hello there. Welcome to a mini blog of tonight's debate between the contenders for the leadership of the federal Labor Party - Anthony Albanese and Bill Shorten.
Federal Politics Live: September 18, 2013
![Tony Abbott](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/30/4706361/th-abbott-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING The finger sandwiches have been cut, the scones have been laid out, Government House is all spick and span ready for the swearing of the new ministry and the new Prime Minister. Please join us for the pomp and ceremony of the day. Then it's down to work.
Federal Politics Live: September 13, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING The gang's all here. Labor, Liberal, National - everyone is trying to remember their new titles and work out where their new offices will be. Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I are here to take you through the day's events.
Federal Election 2013 Live: September 8, 2013
![ELECTION 2013: Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott meets with Dr Ian Watt, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, in Sydney, on Sunday 8 September 2013. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/08/4729865/dn-abbott-thumb-20130908135026437351-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Good morning. It's the morning after the campaign before. It's a pleasure to have your company as Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I take you through the aftermath of the election.
Federal Election 2013: Live coverage and results
![Tony Abbott victory.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/07/4728975/th_abbottvictory4-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Follow all the election day action live from the first votes to the moment the winner is announced.
Federal Election 2013 Live: September 6, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING The last day of the campaign - how many voters can the parties reach in the final hours until the polls open tomorrow morning? Thanks for joining Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I as we take you towards the finish line.
Federal Election 2013 Live: September 5, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Today's the day we finally see the Coalition's costings. Will it make any difference? The large number of people who have already voted suggests it is not an issue for them. But what about everyone else? Thank you for joining me, Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen as we bring you the day's campaign news.
Federal Election 2013 Live: September 4, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Election day 31 is upon us. Kevin Rudd is campaigning in Victoria and Tony Abbott is in his hometown of Sydney. Meanwhile, back at the Canberra ranch, Christine Milne has her turn at the National Press Club.
Federal Election 2013 Live: September 3, 2013
![Protestors wait for Opposition Leader Tony Abbott during his visit to Penrice Soda Holdings in Port Adelaide, on Tuesday 3 September 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/03/4715128/th-Climate_poster-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the federal election campaign. It's a pleasure to have your company as Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I take you through the day.
Federal Election 2013 Live: September 2, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited Gagal Technical Training Centre in Gladstone on Monday 2 September 2013. Election 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/02/4712601/dn-rudd-thumb-20130902134310610006-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING First day of the last week - we're nearly there. Expect the pace to pick up as all parties look to make the most of their last chance to convince people they're the ones that they want. It's a pleasure to be with you as Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I take you through the day.
Federal Election 2013 Live: August 30, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Well, well, well - whose figures do you believe? Anyone got an abacus we could use? It's a pleasure to be with you again as Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I take you through the day's events.
Federal Election 2013 Live: August 29, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the federal election campaign. Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I are here to take you through the day. Thanks for joining us.
Federal Election 2013 Live: August 28, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott attended the People's Forum at the Broncos Leagues Club in Brisbane on Wednesday 21 August 2013. Election 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/21/4680580/dn-debate-thumb-20130821192340664037-90x60.jpg)
JACQUELINE MALEY Good morning. Today promises to have it all - school flashbacks, chocolate factories, policy costings and another debate. Thanks for joining me, Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen as we take you through the day.
Federal Election 2013 Live August 27, 2013
JACQUELINE MALEY Welcome to your Tuesday! Today you will be hosted by me, Jacqueline Maley, instead of the usual Steph. The political day has already begun, with morning walks and threats/promises to close the Garden Island base in Sydney's Potts Point, and move it north of the border to Brisvegas. Meanwhile Tony Abbott is pledging back-dated compensation to victims of overseas terrorism, in Newcastle. Stay with us for the thrills and spills of the day. You never know what might happen on this ker-razy kampaign.
Federal Election 2013 Live: August 26, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Good morning - it's Monday, the morning after the launch before. It's a pleasure to have your company as Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I take you through the news of the day.
Federal Election 2013 Live: August 23, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stacks the shelves after he delivered fruit to Abu Hussein mixed business in South Granville, Sydney on 23 August 2013. Election 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/23/4685490/th-Rudd_market1-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Last day of the third week - only two more weeks to go. It's a pleasure to have you on board as Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and I take you through the day's news and views.
Federal Election 2013 Live: August 22, 2013
![ELECTION 2013: Opposition Leader Tony Abbott farewells Sister Jacinta Fong during his visit the St Vincent's hospital in Sydney, on Thursday 22 August 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/22/4682832/th-Nun_kiss-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Well that was fun. Has the debate breathed new life back into the campaign? Let's see if Kevin Rudd's fighting performance carries through. Join us for all the news and views from the campaign trail.
Election wrap: August 21, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott attended the People's Forum at the Broncos Leagues Club in Brisbane on Wednesday 21 August 2013. Election 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/21/4680369/dn-blog-thumb-20130821173714338872-90x60.jpg)
Stephanie Peatling and Jacqueline Maley The second leaders' debate has been a huge improvement on the first, with some pundits calling it 'electric'.
Election wrap: August 20, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Parents, poppets and Papua - these are the issues populating the campaign this morning. Please join us for our live coverage of the day's election happenings.
Election wrap: August 19, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING First day of the third week and Labor starts with a broken bus and some less than sunny polls. Where will the day and week take us? Join us for our live coverage of the election campaign.
Election wrap: 16 August, 2013
![tony abbott](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/18/4283180/320th-tony-abbott-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Last day of the second week and it's all about natural resources. The kind in the ground for Labor and the people kind for the Coalition. Join us for all the news from the campaign trail.
Election wrap: August 15, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING The Coalition has headed south to a state it thinks it can do well in - Tasmania - while Labor is chasing the sunshine in the Northern Territory. Alex Ellinghausen, Andrew Meares and I will span the continent for you as we bring you all the news from the campaign.
Election wrap: August 14, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Good morning. Wednesday - hump day. Please join us for all the news and views from the campaign trail.
Election wrap: August 13, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Happy PEFO day everyone - all those numbers, how exciting. It's a big day for people who like phrases such as "structural deficit". Join us for our live coverage of the campaign.
Election wrap: August 12, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING The first day of the second week. Traditionally the second and third weeks are a bit quieter. Will things pan out that way this time? Join us for our live coverage of the campaign.
Election wrap: August 11, 2013
![Final preparations are applied to the set of the Leaders' Debate at the National Press Club in Canberra on Sunday 11 August 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/11/4652520/th-debate_preparations-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Join us for the first (and only?) leaders debate of the campaign. Expect to hear a lot of talk about the economy and the cost of various policies not to mention overuse of the phrase "fair dinkum".
Election wrap: August 9, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is embraced by his youngest son Marcus who is working in the ALP Campaign HQ in Melbourne on Friday 9 August 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/09/4647317/th-Rudd_son-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Well done - you've nearly made it through the first week of the campaign. Join us for all Friday's news and views including the latest on the debate that may or may not be happening.
Election wrap: August 8, 2013
![Opposition Leader Tony Abbott meets Boo, a 15-month old purebred pomeranian after his visit to a seafood processing plant in Devonport, Tasmania, on Thursday 8 August 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/08/4644392/th-Abbott_pat-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Come on down Peter Beattie! The first big name to throw his hat into the ring during the campaign will bring a bit of Queensland razzle dazzle. Join us for day four of the campaign.
Election wrap: August 7, 2013
![Child and Rudd](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/07/4637940/childrudd320-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Day 3 and it's all about money. The Coalition will announce a company tax cut; Labor has been out and about talking about the cost of living. Join me as we look into the belly of the beast.
Election blog - how the day unfolded
![federal election coverage](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/03/4626558/320x213v2-90x60.jpg)
JUDITH IRELAND Buckle up for Day Two of the election campaign. Kevin Rudd starts Tuesday in his homestate of Queensland. Tony Abbott is on the NSW Central Coast. Both are expected back in Canberra in the afternoon, as the Reserve Bank is tipped to make an announcement on rate cuts.
Election wrap: August 5, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING It's day one of the campaign proper. Kevin Rudd is in Canberra for a cabinet meeting while Tony Abbott is on his way to Brisbane. Please join us for all the day's events.
Politics wrap: August 4, 2013
![Rudd](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/27/4523643/th_rudd-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING It's on people. Let the campaign begin. Democracy in action. Join me for our live coverage of the election announcement.
Politics wrap: August 2, 2013
![Treasurer Chris Bowen](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/07/03/4539143/th-chrisbowen-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING A mini budget, a pre election budget statement, going through the books, clearing the decks. Whatever you want to call it please join us for our live coverage of the government's rearrangement of fiscal policy.
Politics wrap: July 11, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd addressed the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday 11 July 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/07/11/4561760/dn-rudd-thumb-20130711133936604452-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING I think we always knew today's event at the National Press Club in Canberra would end up being an address by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd not a debate between Mr Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. Please join me and Andrew Meares as we cover Mr Rudd's speech - think of it as an election campaign warm up.
Politics wrap: June 28, 2013
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd addresses the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 28 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/28/4527747/th-Rudd_presser_1-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING The end of another extraordinary week. We are waiting for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to name his ministry and will keep an eye on what's going on in the Senate. Join us for the day's events in federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 27, 2013
![Stephen Smith](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/27/4524730/smith320-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Prime minister elect Kevin Rudd is due to be sworn in by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, at 9.30 am. What will happen after that? Join us for all the events in federal politics today.
Politics wrap: June 26, 2013
![Julia Gillard](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/26/4522015/gillard320-7-90x60.jpg)
KEY POINTS:
Politics live: June 25, 2013
![Independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor declared their support for a Gillard government during a press conference at Parliament House Canberra on Tuesday 7 2010.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/25/4518145/th-Oakeshott_thumbsup-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Another day, another poll, another day of stasis. It's all feeling a bit like groundhog day, isn't it? Join us for all the day's events in federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 24, 2013
![Kevin Rudd and Joel Fitzgibbon during question time at Parliament House Canberra on Monday 24 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/24/4515666/th-Rudd_Fitzgibbon-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING It's the third anniversary of Prime Minister Julia Gillard's elevation to the top job. Will there be cake? Join us for our live coverage of the day's events in federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 20, 2013
![Bob Katter was presented with a hand woven wool beanie by coal seam gas protestors as they blocked the front entrance to Parliament House Canberra on Thursday 20 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/20/4506197/th-Katter_protest-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING It's the morning after the night before (the Midwinter Ball) so it's not so much a case of 'clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose' as 'bleary eyes, heavy hearts, must try to stay awake'. Join us for our coverage of the day's events in federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 19, 2013
![The House of Representatives pose for a group photo at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 19 June 2013. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/19/4502805/th-Gillard_class-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Rio fever has swept Parliament House like it has everywhere else. Expect a bit of chest puffing and displays of green and gold. What else is happening around the place? Join us for our live coverage of federal politics today.
Politics wrap: June 18, 2013
![Kevin Rudd kisses Nicola Roxon after she delivered her valedictory at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 18 June 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/18/4499735/th-Roxon_Rudd-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go. Watch the Coalition sit back and take it easy while Labor carries the heavy load of leadership speculation. Again. Join us for our live coverage of federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 17, 2013
![Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her frontbench during question time at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 17 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/17/4496919/th-frontbench-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING The first day of the last fortnight of Parliament before the election starts with another dire poll for Labor. Join us for our live coverage of federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 6, 2013
![Kevin Rudd leaves the House on his phone during a debate in Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 6 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/06/4469311/th-Kevin_Rudd_phone-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Last day of the week. Phew. Please join us for our live coverage of the day in federal politics.
Politics wrap: 5 June, 2013
![Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor speaks to the media during a doorstop interview at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 5 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/05/4464936/th-Brendan_O-Connor-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING It's one of those chilly, gloomy mornings in Canberra where the temperature continues to drop after you get up. Government MPs don't have much incentive to poke their heads above the doonas with bad headlines everywhere. Still it's Wednesday - hump day - one more day of the session to go. Join us for our coverage of live politics.
Politics wrap: June 4, 2013
![Treasurer Wayne Swan and Leader of the House Anthony Albanese during a photo-op at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 4 June 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/04/4462739/th-state-of-origin-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Polls, polls everywhere and not a good word for Labor among any of them. Sometimes it can be hard to look on the bright side of life. Let's try as we cover the day's events in federal politics.
Politics wrap: June 3, 2013
![Federal MP Bob Katter's doorstop interview at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 30 May 2013. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/06/03/4459677/ac-katter-thumb-20130603120743942709-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Only three more weeks (12 days) of Parliament to go before the election. Join us for all today's developments in federal politics.
Politics wrap: May 30, 2013
![A salami sandwich was thrown at Prime Minister Julia Gillard when she visited visited Lyneham High School in Canberra with ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher on Thursday 30 May 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/30/4449650/th-salami_sandwich-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Ever seen so many people crab walking away from a piece of legislation they supposedly supported? Join us for the procession and the rest of the day's events in federal politics.
Politics wrap: May 29, 2013
![Opposition Leader Tony Abbott reacts as he is compared to Mark Latham by Anthony Byrne during question time at Parliament House Canberra on Wednesday 29 May 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/29/4446726/th-Abbott_Latham-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING What happened to the budget emergency? Apparently it's not bad enough that a few extra million can't be found to fund the political parties' election campaigns. Join us for our live coverage of federal politics.
Politics wrap: May 28, 2013
![Prime Minister Julia Gillard during question time at Parliament House Canberra on Tuesday 28 May 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/28/4443925/th-Gillard_smile-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING The world's richest man is in town to talk foreign aid. We begin our live coverage of the day in federal politics with Bill Gates' arrival in Canberra.
Politics wrap: May 27, 2013
![Prime Minister Julia Gillard during question time at Parliament House Canberra on Monday 27 May 2013.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/27/4441088/th-Gillard_QT-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING The Prime Minister has decided to roll the dice on some reforms to sports gambling. How do the odds look? Join us for our live coverage of federal politics to find out.
Politics wrap: May 16, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING The day of the leader of the Opposition's budget reply but, already, Craig Thomson is making things sticky for the government.
FULL COVERAGE
Budget day wrap: 14 May 2013
![Treasurer Wayne Swan poses for the media with the 2013 Budget at Parliament House Canberra.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/14/4270419/th-Swan_budget-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING It's finally here - budget day. Everyone got their calculators ready?
Politics wrap: Monday 13 May, 2013
![Finance Minister Senator Penny Wong and Treasurer Wayne Swan in a meeting at Treasury building, ahead of Budget day.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/13/4267952/th-Swan_Wong-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Dollars, dollars everywhere but not a cent to spend. It's the day before budget, a day where speculation and rumour swirl around ahead of the release of the government's economic plan tomorrow. Join us for the ride.
Politics wrap: April 19, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING The accepted wisdom when it comes to COAG - Council of Australian Governments - is that one should never stand between the premiers and a bucketful of money. But several premiers seem to be of a mind to thwart the PM's plan. That couldn't have anything to do with the election could it? Today we bring you a mini Pulse on the meeting between the PM, premiers and chief ministers.
Politics live: March 22, 2013
![Kevin Rudd arrives for question time at Parliament House.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/03/22/4131741/th-Rudd_qt-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING The wash up continues with a key Rudd supporter, Chris Bowen, about to resign from Cabinet. Join us for our live coverage of federal politics.
Politics wrap: 21 March, 2013
![Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/03/21/4129038/rudd-gillard-th2-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been elected unopposed as leader of the Labor party after she was the only nominee for the position at a caucus meeting.
Politics live: 21 March, 2013
STEPHANIE PEATLING Labor frontbencher Simon Crean has called on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to spill the Labor leadership. Hang on Pulsers!
Politics wrap: March 20, 2013
![Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan during question time on Wednesday.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131025173724im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/03/20/4125599/th-Gillard_QT_Wed-90x60.jpg)
STEPHANIE PEATLING Two down, four to go - the government is one third of the way towards victory on its media reform legislation. Join us for our live coverage of federal politics.