Phony 'carbon tax' debate highlights the sad state of our media and politics
Some days you really do have to wonder: what chance is there of sensible policy being created in this country?
Tribalism and the sweet allure of the 'sensible centre'
The wets the dries, the Bronweenies, the Soft Left and the Shoppies - politicians strive hard to find the right tribe.
Adelaide's dark side a glimpse of our future
It's time to admit that Adelaide is our future: bright for some, yet tragically squalid for others.
Winter is coming: politics-as-usual reaching its limits
It is conceivable that within a decade, neither the ALP nor the Liberal-Nationals coalition will exist as dominant electoral forces .
Malcolm stumbles back towards the middle
Malcolm Turnbull would do well to reflect on the lessons offered by Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron.
Turnbull's leadership nearing the terminal stage
If Coalition marginal seat MPs were beef cows, they'd be smelling the abattoirs about now.
Malcolm and the Barnaby and Tony Emergency Express
An anxiety-burdened Malcolm Turnbull has ordered a supersonic private jet to remain on standby at Hamburg airport during his visit to Germany for the G20, its motors running and its pilots on 24-hour alert.
The case for an out-of-sync Senate election
Voters would respond differently if Senate elections were not co-ordinated with House of Representatives elections.
Why would North Korea's little tyrant lob a missile on Darwin?
Pity Darwin. Bombed by the Japanese in World War II, blown away by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve, 1974, and forever harassed, according to its local newspaper, by person-eating crocodiles, it now has to be concerned about a missile-obsessed Kim Jong-un of North Korea.
More MPs could halt current political dysfunction
It may sound like heresy, but more seats in New Zealand's parliament helped solve that country's problems.
Malcolm denies Tony's very name, thrice
Those familiar with the Gospels might recall that Peter also denied knowing his leader thrice.
Compare the pair: a tale of two former prime ministers
Tony Abbott would absolutely hate to hear it, but he could learn something from Julia Gillard.
'Broad church' party a poor defence for infighting
Party members with a diverse range of views need enough common ground to prevent gridlock and infighting.
Government's focus must reach beyond next opinion poll
Creating a plan for the future isn't just about having a blueprint or grand design.
Why Australia needs Turnbull to survive
Partisans on both the left and right would welcome Malcolm Turnbull's fall at pretty much any cost. And that's the point – the price would be exorbitant.
The fallacy of 'efficiency'
Without robust government, nothing stands between citizens and a rapacious corporate sector.
Pussycats and footpads prefer watchdogs on short chain
Pussycats and footpads prefer watchdogs on short chain
Tip of a nepotism iceberg?
In many cases, public servants' conflicts of interest remain effectively unmonitored.
Banks in a state: taxing super profits to pay for services is a winner
Banks in a state: taxing super profits to pay for services is a winner
Census 2016 reveals dramatic drop in Australian home ownership
It's one of the most alarming statistics to come out of this week's release of the 2016 census figures.
Russian interference in US poll is fantasy
You can't blame Russia for Trump's successful jaunt to the White House.
Immigration and its complex effects
Population growth brings benefits, but policymakers need to discuss the problems, too.
Could Christopher Pyne's hubris prove the catalyst for the fall of the Coalition moderates?
Malcolm Turnbull is being asked if he will allow a same-sex marriage bill to be presented to Parliament and if he would allow a free vote in that instance. The Prime Minister says 'no', knowing any other response would blow his leadership wide open and possibly split the Coalition. Technically he is right, but these are the wrong questions.
Rhiannon and Bernardi's extreme similarities
In different ways, the pair have become powerful irritants to their ideological colleagues.
The one thing voters do not want from politicians
Nobody is ready for a repeat of The Real Politicians of Parliament House.
Military medals are for dogs
The Defence Force should not waste any time or effort on this demeaning frippery.
Abbott calls Pyne treacherous for supporting what people want: same-sex marriage soon
An inner-city cocktail bar named after one of the poncier fruits – the cherry – is exactly the kind of place you would expect left-wing government schemers to hatch a plot to legislate gay marriage.
Authenticity is hard to fake
If centre-right governments want to win elections, they must present an alternative vision.
Our military 'a force for good'
The public has little appetite for war, but supports using the military to fight terrorism.
Schools win salves Malcolm Turnbull's winter of discontent
Atop Capital Hill, the giant flag hung motionless amid a crystal winter's day.
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Campaign highlights - and lowlights
The hurly-burly of the 2016 election campaign, as seen through the eyes of Fairfax reporters and photographers.