Big tobacco's behind-the-scenes 'astroturf' campaign

• EXCLUSIVE

Philip Morris is running an under-the-radar campaign using forums and an offshoot smokers' rights lobby group.

The cabinet was prepared for a conservative backlash - it never came

While former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett went ballistic over Malcolm Turnbull's speech, he was a lonely voice.

NBN Co. spends $340k on corporate functions

NBN Co. told the Senate detailing food and wine costs for corporate events would be a waste of resources.

Majority of federal MPs shun new ethics standards

• EXCLUSIVE

Fewer than a quarter of federal politicians have agreed to commit to new ethical standards devised by legendary corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald - and there is not a single Turnbull government MP among them.

Post office that could topple Turnbull listed for sale

"Price reduced for quick sale". The suburban post office that has sparked a High Court challenge against a federal minister and threatens to topple the Turnbull government is on the market.

Big tobacco ordered to pay Australia for plain packaging case

Philip Morris to pay Australian government millions of dollars in costs after failed bid to kill off plain packaging laws.

Liberal senator confirms same-sex marriage push

A Liberal senator has publicly confirmed he is drafting a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, declaring the "time is now" for the historic reform.

Labor could win bid to unseat minister: experts

The nation's most respected constitutional law experts won't dare predict how the High Court is likely to rule on Labor's high stakes challenge against a sitting Turnbull government minister but believe it has a chance of succeeding.

Turnbull government at threat from High Court challenge

• EXCLUSIVE

If David Gillespie is forced from Parliament it could be the end of the Turnbull government.