Stephanie Peatling brings you politics live from the halls of federal parliament, and beyond, with Alex Ellinghausen and Andrew Meares.
Politics live: December 12, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND What do same-sex marriage, car making and Paul Keating all having in common? They are all on the menu in Canberra today. It is the last day of sittings for 2013. Also expect question time, a strategic review of the NBN and renewed concerns about live animal exports. It's what they call a bumper edition.
Politics Wrap: December 11, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND It's the second last (planned) sitting day of the year! But don't break out that eggnog just yet. The lineup of issues is just like John Wayne: tall and complex. We've got car manufacturing, debt, same-sex marriage, the Great Barrier Reef and the ol' classic, the carbon tax. Pony up.
Politics live: December 10, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND It's a nail-biter. What exactly is the deal with Holden? Government support does not appear imminent as Holden boss Mike Devereux fronts the Productivity Commission in Melbourne. Back in Canberra, the carbon tax repeal debate continues as news comes of another boat tragedy en route to Christmas Island.
Politics live: December 9, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Hold on, Holden! The debate continues in earnest about what to do about Australian car manufacturing. And it continues (and continues) on the carbon tax, with a vote on the repeal due this week in the Senate. Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten won't be here to lend an opinion, however. They are off to South Africa for Mandela's memorial service.
Politics Wrap: December 5, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND The debate about debt rages. Is it cool for the Greens to see other parties? The Coalition says "of course it is" as Labor carries on like a disgruntled ex. Meanwhile, Palmer United finds itself stuck in Boganland. Everyone else wonders if Ugg-boot wearing means they are a bogan too.
Politics wrap: December 4, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND It's spies, schoolkids and the ABC. Australia's espionage history with another neighbour - East Timor - is in the squinty spotlight today. The report card for high school students is in, and it's not cheerful. Speaking of ABCs, the national "behemoth" (broadcaster) continues to cop a beating in Canberra.
Politics wrap: December 3, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Are you feeling gymnastic? As the Coalition bends this way and that on schools funding, Labor and the Greens have joined forces to hold a stop sign up to temporary protection visas (and Scott Morrison is not happy). Meanwhile, it's a festival of court appearances! Same-sex marriage is starring at the High Court and down the road, Peter Slipper is back at the Magistrates Court. In Melbourne, the Craig Thomson show also continues. In other news, the Defence Minister has stuck his head above the parapet to offer some thoughts on intelligence ... how helpful is that?
Politics live: December 2, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Federal parliament is back for the final sitting fortnight of 2013. But the festive summer spirit is dampened by an overcrowded battle list, with the carbon tax, mining tax, debt ceiling and school funding all up for (continued) debate. Meanwhile, Peter Slipper's cab charge case is due in court and Clive Palmer and Cathy McGowan are making the finishing touches to their maiden speeches, due this afternoon.
Politics live: November 21, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Tony Abbott has a letter to write to SBY and DFAT has updated its travel advice for Indonesia. Co-operation with Australia's bestie hangs, suspended in mid-air. Bill Shorten has called it a "Team Australia moment" but others, like Mark Textor and Tanya Plibersek, appear to be playing on different teams. Meanwhile, the carbon tax repeal goes to a vote in the House of Reps and in the Senate, Foreign Affairs, Social Services and Employment face the dreaded Estimates hearings.
Politics live: November 20, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND SBY so angry? Tony Abbott will not apologise for Australia's phone snooping and Jakarta says his explanation to parliament is not good enough. Things are not "business as usual" according to Marty Natalegawa and Indonesia's national police and immigration departments are preparing to halt cooperation with Australia. Meanwhile, in the House of Reps, the carbon tax repeal debate continues (again) and Defence, Health and Treasury face the Senate Inquisition.
Politics live: November 19, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Spying comes in from the cold and the Indonesians are not happy. Ambassadors are being recalled, apologies are being demanded and the Abbott government is trying to cover its eyes and hope it all goes far, far away. Meanwhile, back at the parliament, the debate on the carbon tax repeal continues, as does the ritual interrogation of public servants in Senate Estimates.
Politics live: November 18, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Prime Minister Tony Abbott has flown back from CHOGM and right into questions about a couple of patrol boats he gave to Sri Lanka. The Coalition is continuing to push for the carbon tax repeal (you know the drill) as public servants shake in their frank and fearless boots for Senate Estimates. Meanwhile, the race begins in Griffith. It was about time we had another election.
Politics live: November 14, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND Kevin Rudd is no longer here to help. Gracious words are flowing for the former prime minister - yes, even from the Labor Party - as parliament says farewell. Meanwhile, the government has a debt ceiling to try and raise, Indonesia has another version of that boat standoff and the spying snafu continues. It's the last day of parliament for the week ... what could go possibly go wrong?
Politics live: November 13, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND It's business time in Canberra. The carbon tax is on the parliamentary chopping block. The government is pumped for a big fat repeal party, but Labor and the Greens have hidden all the balloons and the booze. Meanwhile, the Coalition is trying to raise the debt ceiling to $500 billion, Labor reckons this is waaay too much and Madam Speaker takes the chair for her first question time. ORDER!
Politics live: November 12, 2013
JUDITH IRELAND The great day came at last. Federal Parliament number 44 is here and so are all the players. Tony Abbott returns to parliament for the first time as Prime Minister and Bill Shorten's mother-in-law is dropping by to make sure everything is official. Expect pomp, expect lengthy speeches and expect Clive Palmer.
Federal Politics Wrap: September 30, 2013
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
KEY POINTS:
Politics live: June 25, 2013
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
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
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
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
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
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
STEPHANIE PEATLING Last day of the week. Phew. Please join us for our live coverage of the day in federal politics.
