Cutbacks
Science cuts savaged
10:29amLabor MP Amanda Rishworth says the Abbott government is behaving as though 'they know it all' with cuts to the CSIRO and the scrapping of advisory panels.
Latest
Strong stand on navy misconduct
![RAN8100122_040703-060.JPG
UNCLASSSIFIED
Cleared for Transmission
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HMAS Ballarat (Royal Australian Navy Frigate) arrives in Sydney for the first time. The Frigate is the 6th Anzac to be built for the Australian Navy.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/08/4907089/hmasballaratTH-90x60.jpg)
5:20pm Prime Minister Tony Abbott is questioned by the media over reports of sexual harassment aboard HMAS Ballarat.
WA Vote
Winning Senator wants new vote
![Winning Senator wants new vote (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/07/4903134/131107_Ludlam-Vote_TH-90x60.jpg)
Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says the Electoral Commission should begin the legal process for a new Senate vote in WA after a count botched because 1,375 votes were lost.
Climate Change
Labor will be 'consistent' on carbon
![Labor will be consistent on carbon (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/01/4883757/th-albo-courtyard-doorstop-90x60.jpg)
'Climate change didn't end on September 7th,' says Anthony Albanese, underlining party leader Bill Shorten's insistence that Labor will only back carbon tax repeal if an emissions trading scheme replaces it.
Senate Count
Ludlam: 'Vote should not be declared'
![Ludlam: 'vote should not be declared' (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/31/4878815/th-scott-ludlam-wa-senate-90x60.jpg)
The planned declaration of the West Australian senate recount should not go ahead, says Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, after the revelation ballot papers have gone missing. Nine news.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan withdrawal ceremony
![Afghanistan withdrawal (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/29/4869046/1_th-abbott-shorten-afghanistan-90x60.jpg)
Australian troops gather at a ceremony in Tarin Kowt to mark their impending withdrawal from Afghanistan and to hear speeches from Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten.
Carbon tax
Strategic 'repositioning' behind Labor's carbon tax backdown
![Strategic 'repositioning' behind Labor's carbon tax backdown (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/29/4869130/TH_shorten_carbon-90x60.jpg)
Labor must sever itself from the 'demonised' carbon tax and weather the short-term cost, says former ALP adviser John Flannery.
US Relations
'Coarseness, amateurishness and viciousness'
!['Courseness, amateurishness and viciousness' (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/28/4866086/th-abbott-washington-post-90x60.jpg)
Americans will see Tony Abbott as uncouth, coarse and amateurish, according to international relations expert, Dr Clinton Fernandes, after the PM criticised his Labor predecessors in a Washington Post interview.
Centrelink changes
Centrelink move?
![EMPLOYMENT.MELB.020507.AFR.PIC BY ERIN JONASSON. GENERIC HOLD FOR FILES. *First use AFR PLEASE* , CENTRELINK generic office, employment , jobs, job hunting, ***afrphotos.com***](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/28/4866533/131028_Centrelink_TH-90x60.jpg)
Could Australia Post take over Centrelink's 'front office' services? Liberal MP Andrew Laming concedes the idea will worry many, but says a limited takeover would have benefits, while Labor's Andrew Leigh slams the idea.
Asylum Seekers
New Malaysian Agreements
![The Malaysian Solution (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/25/4860422/th-morrison-presser1-90x60.jpg)
Australian co-operation with Malaysia to counter people smuggling has been 'rebooted', according to Immigration Minister, Scott Morrison.
Climate change
PM a climate fence sitter?
![CEO of Climate Institute of Australia, John Connor, speaks to the media at the launch of the report 'clean energy jobs in regional NSW: New England/Tablelands' at Parliament House Canberra on Monday 28 February 2011.
Photo by Alex Ellinghausen / Fairfax](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/24/4855113/131024_Connor-Climate_TH-90x60.jpg)
Climate Institute chief John Connor sees Prime Minister Abbott as straddling a global warming 'barbed wire fence', after the PM dismissed claims of a link between bushfires and climate change.
Reserve Bank
Reserve Bank top up
![Reserve Bank top up (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/23/4853100/th-Hockey-reserve-funding-90x60.jpg)
Treasurer Joe Hockey explains why he has taken the budget further into deficit by topping up the central bank's reserves by almost $9 billion.
MP's expenses
Abbott backs MP on expenses
![Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke to Neil Mitchell on 3AW this morning.
23RD OCTOBER 2013
PHOTO: PENNY STEPHENS
THE AGE](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/23/4853087/131023_Abbott-Expenses_TH-90x60.jpg)
PM Tony Abbott says government MP Don Randall made his taxpayer funded trip from Perth to Cairns and back because he needed to talk to his party whip.
Bob Carr's parting advice
![Bob Carr's parting advice (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/23/4852279/1_1_th-bob-carr-resigns-90x60.jpg)
Bob Carr resigns from federal parliament, dispensing policy advice on asylum seekers and Palestine, and explaining why he defected from Gillard to Rudd.
From left field
Nobel economics
Changing lanes? Call an economist
![Changing lanes? Call an eocnomist (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/16/4834520/131016_Martin-Nobel_TH-90x60.jpg)
Is changing lanes in bumper to bumper traffic, or switching supermarket queues really worthwhile. Peter Martin discusses the award winning economics that answers the question.
Balance of Power
Poo thrower a Senate chance
![Poo thrower a Senate chance (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/09/09/4732756/130909_Senator-Poo-2_TH-90x60.jpg)
Senate dark horse Ricky Muir has defended his antics with kangaroo poo as another likely new face in the upper house refuses to talk beyond his one issue - health in sport.
Campaign 2013
Rudd's West Wing moment
![Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made remarks to the media in Launceston on Tuesday 3 September 2013. Election 2013. Photo: Andrew Meares](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/09/03/4715985/130903_Rudd_TH-90x60.jpg)
Viewers of the Prime Minister's appearance on ABC's Q&A; wondered whether Mr Rudd was channeling President Bartlet from the TV series 'West Wing'.
Maintain your Rage
![Maintain your Rage (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/08/30/4706077/th-20130830-RAGE-90x60.jpg)
The ABC's much-loved music broadcast RAGE gets political, as Anthony Albanese, Julie Bishop and Adam Bandt drop some tunes mid-campaign. The Canberra Times' Jenna Clarke offers some liner notes.
All sizzle, no sausage?
![All sizzle, no sausage? (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/08/19/4673950/th-20130819-Mearesymoment2-90x60.jpg)
Photojournalist Andrew Meares captures the scenes at a prime ministerial sausage sizzle in Adelaide over the weekend.
'Them polls are a bunch of wombats!'
!['Them polls are a bunch of wombats!' (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/08/19/4674115/th-20130819-wombats-90x60.jpg)
RAW VISION: On the campaign trail, a local expresses his confidence in the Prime Minister and tells him not to worry about bad polls numbers.
Tony the Truckie
![Tony the Truckie (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/08/16/4666838/vd-20130816-linfox-90x60.jpg)
Tony Abbott presses the flesh with Linfox truck drivers in Melbourne, and demonstrates his familiarity with the big rigs.
Interviews
Indonesia Relationship
Greens: spying should stop
![Greens: spying should stop (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/07/4902644/th-scott-ludlam-wa-senate-90x60.jpg)
West Australian Senator Scott Ludlam talks to Tim Lester about spying, the WA senate count and climate change.
New Member
Keep GainCorp Australian
![Keep GainCorp Australian (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/07/4902685/th-andrew-broad-night-90x60.jpg)
New National Party MP Andrew Broad discusses the future of GrainCorp, relations with Indonesia and his first week in parliament with Tim Lester.
Shallow foreign policy
![New York, Sept 23, 2013 Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/06/4900102/BishopMartyTH-90x60.jpg)
Dr Ross Tapsell says more depth to the relationship with Indonesia is needed.
Onus on Electoral Commission: Pratt
![Onus on Electoral Comission: Pratt (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/05/4896966/TH_Pratt-and-Lester_main-90x60.jpg)
Senator Louise Pratt says a speculation of a new WA Senate election is premature.
Wheat, water and espionage
![Wheat, water and espionage (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/05/4896483/th-williams-senate-90x60.jpg)
Nationals Senator John 'Wacka' Williams discusses the plan to sell GrainCorp, coal mining's effect on water, and Indonesian reaction to spying claims.With Tim Lester.
Coalition unmoved on gay marriage
![Coalition unmoved on gay marriage (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/04/4894101/TH-Laming-and-Lester-90x60.jpg)
Liberal MP Andrew Laming says he hasn't seen much movement within the Coalition on marriage equality.
E-voting 'inevitable': Leigh
![E-voting 'inevitable': Leigh (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/04/4893317/TH_Leigh-and-Lester-90x60.jpg)
Labor MP Andrew Leigh says the WA Senate election debacle has accelerated the move to electronic voting.
Government spying
Governments must be accountable for spying
![Governments must be accountable for spying (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/31/4879545/1_TH_Bartlett_Lester_main-90x60.jpg)
Andrew Bartlett, Qld Greens convenor and forrmer senator, believes that Australia must show leadership with intelligence collection practices.
Intelligence
Embassy spying
![Technology. AFR FIRST USE. Generic 080505. . Use for IT, Internet, technology, broadband, computer, email, electronic, fibre optic cable. Pic by Nic Walker. Date 7th October 2010](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/31/4877938/131031_Ball-on-Bugging_TH-90x60.jpg)
Intelligence expert Prof. Des Ball says spying by embassies is routine with foreign missions in Canberra among those that carry out the highly secret intelligence work.
'We have the right targets'
!['We have the right targets' (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/30/4872569/TH_Frydenberg_Lester-90x60.jpg)
Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg rejects the revised emission reduction targets released by the Climate Change Authority which state that Australia's current targets are inadequate.
Afganistan Aid
Afghan aid plea
![Afghan aid plea (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/30/4872555/th-afghan-ambo-90x60.jpg)
Afghanistan needs development assistance from Australia to be maintained at existing levels, according to that country's ambassador to Australia amid speculation aid levels may be cut.
Carbon policy
Carbon tax backdown welcomed
![Carbon tax backdown welcomed (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/29/4869538/TH_Wacka-and-Lester-90x60.jpg)
Nationals Senator John Williams believes Labor is showing signs of acknowledging the government's mandate to axe the carbon tax.
Climate Change
Direct Action or Market Mechanism?
![Direct Action or Market Mechanism? (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/28/4866411/th-laming---leigh-carbon-90x60.jpg)
33 out of 35 economists have rejected the government's Direct Action policy to limit climate change. Labor's Andrew Leigh and Liberal Andrew Laming reflect on the survey.
Analysis
Tax tweaks
![The Treasurer Joe Hockey and Assistant Treasurer are in Sydney and will hold a media conference today: Photo: Peter Rae Wednesday 5 November 2013
C35F3869.JPG](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/11/06/4900228/1_JoeHockeyTaxTH-90x60.jpg)
Peter Martin discusses the tax changes announced by Treasurer Joe Hockey on Wednesday
Huawei ban 'a bit silly'
![Huawei ban 'a bit silly' (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/31/4876366/th-NBN-politics-2-90x60.jpg)
There is no good reason for banning Chinese telecommunications company Huawei from working on the NBN, according to telecommunications analyst Paul Budde.
Bank deposit
![Bank deposit (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/23/4853384/130320_martinTH-90x60.jpg)
Economics Correspondent Peter Martin explains why Treasurer Joe Hockey has given the Reserve Bank $8.8 billion.
Same-sex marriage
High Court awaits same-sex marriage legislation
![High Court awaits same-sex marriage legislation (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/22/4849430/th-abbott-same-sex-90x60.jpg)
TIM LESTER According to constitutional law expert Professor George Williams, the legal challenge to the ACT marriage equality legislation will be a question of federalism not human rights.
US Budget Crisis
Fiscal cliff looms
![Fiscal cliff looms (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/15/4830895/th-obama-shut-down-90x60.jpg)
Dr Nicole Hemmer says 'tea party' Republicans have brought the US to the edge of defaulting on government debt by threatening fellow Republicans.
Jakarta Talks
Both sides give ground
![Both sides give ground (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/10/01/4791927/th-abbott---SBY-3-90x60.jpg)
Indonesian President Yudhoyono says bilateral talks on asylum seekers are now possible, while Tony Abbott says Australia will consult Indonesia over his government's 'tow-back' policy.
Budget balance serious challange
![Budget balance serious challange (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/09/27/4783846/Colebatch--KennyTH-90x60.jpg)
With a need to protect growth and reduced revenue, Mark Kenny and Tim Colebatch discuss the path to surplus for Treasurer Joe Hockey
Boats policy substantive problem
![Boats policy substantive problem (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/09/27/4783499/abbottindoanalysisTH-90x60.jpg)
As Prime Minister Tony Abbott prepares for his first overseas visit his plan to stop the boats may jeopardise diplomatic efforts with Jakarta. Analysis
Balance of power
![Balance of power (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/09/09/4732239/th-senate-results-90x60.jpg)
The exact make up of the new Senate is yet to be determined, but up to eight small parties and independents look likely to hold the balance of power. Tim Colebatch explains.
Negotiating the aftermath
![Negotiating through the aftermath (Thumbnail)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131108154257im_/http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2013/09/09/4731884/th-20130909-counterspin-90x60.jpg)
Strategists Jannette Cotterell and Greg Turnbull discuss Tony Abbott's landslide election victory, the Labor leadership conundrum, and the prospect of a colourful new Senate.
Featured
Parliament trumps climate talks
The government says it's more important for Environment Minister Greg Hunt to be in parliament than at international climate talks. Labor disagrees.
Trust deficit
Indonesian Lieutenant General (ret) Agus Widjojo says Australia needs to rebuild trust with its closest neighbor.
Diplomatic rescue?
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop faces a tough early test in the job as she seeks to repair damage to relations with Indonesia over embassy spy allegations affair. Correspondent Michael Bachelard discusses the challenge.
GrainCorp in-fighting continues
Another National Party MP, Andrew Broad, has joined the struggle to prevent Treasurer Joe Hockey from approving the sale of grain handler GrainCorp to an American corporation.
Greens call for spying halt
An apology is the least Indonesia can expect from Australia following revelations of electronic spying, according to Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.
Govt cool on Howard's climate talk
The PM's parliamentary secretary Josh Frydenberg has distanced himself and the government from former leader John Howard's climate scepticism in a speech abroad.
Coalition split over GrainCorp sale
The National Party is fighting a rear-guard action against the sale of wheat wholesaler GrainCorp, as Treasurer Joe Hockey considers whether to approve the deal. Senator John 'Wacka' Williams explains.
Onus on Electoral Commission: Pratt
Senator Louise Pratt says a speculation of a new WA Senate election is premature.
Paper or Electronic?
Is it time to move beyond paper voting? Labor's Andrew Leigh says the switch is inevitable as he and other MPs respond to the costly loss of 1375 votes in WA and the possibility of a new senate election in the west.
'The rosiest picture in years'
Australia's economic indicators are all falling into place, says Peter Martin, adding that an interest rate cut on Tuesday is unlikely.
'Lost' votes causing stress
Labor senator Louise Pratt admits delays in settling the trouble-plagued WA Senate vote have been 'distressing', as candidates seek legal advice and wait to see whether 1,375 lost votes are recovered.
Roy on cars and Clive
Liberal MP Wyatt Roy says we should carefully consider the future of Australia's car industry and throws in a few words of advice to Clive Palmer as well.
Embassy espionage in Canberra
Leading intelligence and security academic Prof. Des Ball discusses the history of embassy spying and says Australia is a target in our own capital.
Were they Australian sheep?
Nationals MP Andrew Broad has cast doubt on whether sheep killed inhumanely in Jordan were from Australia.
Embassy spying
Intelligence expert Prof. Des Ball says spying by embassies is routine with foreign missions in Canberra among those that carry out the highly secret intelligence work.
Afghanistan, the 'set and forget' war
Former Chief of Army, Peter Leahy, says the PM should call an inquiry into successive governments' oversight of the Afghanistan war to avoid a repeat of the 'set and forget' approach of recent years.
Unknown tomb controversy
The words 'Known unto God' will remain on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial.
Afghanistan aid
There's speculation that Australia will cut its aid to Afghanistan, but former Chief of Army Peter Leahy argues that would be a mistake.
Labor's carbon laundry
Former Labor adviser John Flannery says its time the Party did its 'carbon laundry', and let the Abbott government scrap the carbon price.
Success of Afghanistan mission is in history's hands
As Australia's mission to Afghanistan draws to an end, Aussie troops will leave behind a much improved civil society, says Neil James.
Snooping on leaders is routine
Spying on international leaders is not only 'routine' but in fact a primary task of intelligence agencies says Dr Clinton Fernandes.
Bushfire risk increasing
Climate change increases the probability of more bushfires, more intense fires and longer fire seasons, according to the Climate Council's Professor Will Steffen.
Medibank plan queried
Labor's Amanda Rishworth says the Abbott government might use Medibank Private as a way of watering down the national disability insurance scheme.
PM a climate fence sitter?
Climate Institute chief John Connor sees Prime Minister Abbott as straddling a global warming 'barbed wire fence', after the PM dismissed claims of a link between bushfires and climate change.