'It's a principle, it's not about me': Abbott's new quest
People, says Tony Abbott, "are being neurotic" about his push for greater democratisation within the NSW Liberal Party.
Latest commentary
Turnbull's incrementalism fits the times
In good times and in bad, the federal government's duty is clear: to keep our country safe and to maximise Australians' ability to get ahead. This is never easy and could get even harder under an America led by Donald Trump or more likely by a second president Clinton, especially economically.
Speed and sharing are changing the nature of news
On Friday, Waleed Aly presented the Andrew Olle Media Lecture, which is held in honour of one of the ABC's iconic broadcasters.
Trump isn't the only misogynist in the Republican Party
Self-proclaimed women-protectors are slithering back to their pit.
Home truths strike at heart of our habitat
The hope of home drives people to desperate measures. And we respond with fear.
Unionist was 'wise owl' in building industry disputes
Building industry trade union official had a deeply felt sense of social justice and fair play.
The upside of Donald
As the American presidential election descends into an ever-more sordid debacle, we need to keep in mind its deeper, positive potential.
In Barnabyland, the bumpkin calls the shots
The Nationals aren't thriving despite the fact that Barnaby Joyce looks like a bumpkin, but because he looks like a bumpkin.
Turnbull government's 'investment approach' to welfare targets usual suspects
You can expect to hear a lot more from the Turnbull government about an "investment approach" to welfare. But what, exactly, does that mean?
Turnbull the hostage in the doghouse
The same-sex marriage debate illustrates how our Prime Minister is a political prisoner.
Paying tax is the greatest bargain we ever made
Paying tax is an act of pure patriotism and dammit, we should celebrate that.
The terrible suffering caused in the name of protecting Australian values
One day, maybe not for another 20 years, a prime minister and opposition leader will rise to speak about this country's treatment of asylum seekers.
Don't they know who I am?
Everywhere I went in Japan, the people were polite, relaxed, low-key, and happily going about their daily lives - but not for a moment did it occur to them that this was actually all about me.
A living, breathing literature that bursts beyond boundaries of books
Where does literature live? That seems to be the question opened up by the Nobel committee's decision to award its Prize for Literature to Bob Dylan.
The Adam Goodes case reconsidered, one year on
In the 19th century, Karl Marx famously declared that religion was the opiate of the people.
In Passing
David Herd, Peter Owen Edmunds, Dario Fo,
The 7 dumbest arguments in defense of Trump
The issue is whether a party and individuals want to be remembered for defending a moral monster.
Burston barking up the wrong tree
When NSW One Nation Senator Brian Burston called for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to be defunded and replaced instead by the Patriotic Broadcasting Corporation, he revealed much more than his poor skill with names.
Trump coverage far more than clickbait
Old media still matters, even in a brave digital world.
If Donald Trump scares you, you should fight for facts everywhere
If the internet is awash in lies and fake news - we must stand up for facts in the political realm, wherever we are.
Don't want to waste your vote? Number all the boxes
It's one of the most important features of our electoral system. It can decide who wins seats and who forms governments. It can see tens of thousands of ballot papers effectively going into the bin. Yet few politicians or even journalists want to talk about it.
The thing about Blue Poles
Three months ago, I rounded a corner of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and beheld Jackson Pollock's "One: Number 31 1950". I was staggered.
Thai king who brought stability
Great-grandfather was brought to life in Anna and the King of Siam and, later, The King and I.
Baird's craven backdown shows it's business as usual in NSW
Neither Mike Baird nor Luke Foley have lived up to their claim to be conviction politicians.
Travels on Highway 1: when Australia built a road for everyone
Almost 30 years ago, an editor told me to team up with a photographer and go for a very long drive.
The biggest blight Baby Boomers have inflicted on us
Close your eyes and listen. Hear that tinny, repetitive noise? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe it's the soundtrack in the cafe you're sitting in. Perhaps it's blaring in the lounge room of a really boring acquaintance who won't let you leave. Could be the lobby of a hotel. The radio in your car. Or just your local supermarket.
Three crucial seats in the balance for Saturday's poll
Few are in doubt Labor will be hit with a protest vote at tomorrow's poll. The unknown is where that protest vote goes.
Russia's shifting alliances alter peace prospects for Syria
The Syrian situation is becoming more complex by the day and Russia is set to gain wider influence in the Middle East than could have been anticipated a year ago.
Have we seen the death of the conviction politician?
"What do you stand for?" What do you believe in?" Simple questions that tend to attract vague and variable answers in today's politics, here and globally.
Abetz's unyielding opposition to gay law reform
Even as the Labor Party appears to have blunted the chances of the proposed plebiscite into gay marriage this week, the most vociferous opponents of gay marriage have been hitting the airwaves casting doubt and weaving mischief.