James Ashby places himself front and centre of the background

James Ashby is the name on everyone's lips – as long as those lips aren't identified.

Pauline Hanson tells PM: 'Bring Tony Abbott back'

After poaching one of his state MPs in her bid for Queensland domination, Pauline Hanson has some advice for Malcolm Turnbull on how to fix his government – bring Tony Abbott back to the cabinet.

Turnbull slaps down backbencher over 'lazy teachers' jibe

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has schooled Andrew Laming on the importance of teachers, in the wake of the backbencher's ill-advised social media post questioning teachers' work ethic -  after his daughter delivered her own assessment over the comments.

Government slips further in midst of Centrelink, entitlements furore: poll

It hasn't been a great start to the year for the Turnbull government, with a new poll showing politician entitlements and the Centrelink debt recovery system controversies have taken their toll.

2017 will be better than you think

Don't worry – 2017 will be better than you think.

Federal corruption watchdog needed, say 80% of Australians: poll

More than 80 per cent of Australians believe there is corruption in federal politics and want a new independent watchdog set up to stamp it out.

How DFAT tackled its male culture, room by room

When naming the rooms in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade building, its chiefs had a great idea - honour the many distinguished diplomats and public servants who had dedicated their lives to bettering Australia. 

Can Pauline Hanson steady the One Nation ship?

• COMMENT

Queensland has changed since Pauline Hanson and her promises first became a political force 20 years ago. It seems One Nation has not.

NZ MP labels Roberts 'village idiot' over sanctions comments

A New Zealand politician has labelled senator Malcolm Roberts's call for sanctions against New Zealanders in Australia "absolutely nuts", passing it off as using "the politics of hate and division for self promotion".