Politicians cannot leave the difficult choices to others
A citizen's jury is a nice theory of government but the opinion of a random collection of citizens won't necessarily stick.
Energy pirates are pillaging the Australian people
The Prime Minister's proposal for energy retailers to write to one million customers by Christmas is non-binding and ineffective.
Turnbull treads a careful path through US chaos
It is tempting to explain America's mixed messaging towards North Korea as calculated - the old "good cop, bad cop" routine. If only it were that complicated.
Getting economic messaging right requires courage
None of the senior figures in either the Abbott or Turnbull governments have handled economic messaging well.
Flatlining Malcolm Turnbull can still win. Here's how
Let's consider Malcolm Turnbull's best case scenario.
Latest Abbott essay reveals his reactionary footing
The answer: Certainly not Tony Abbott and his reactionary slogans and one-liners.
Despite the hype, PM settles for low wattage price relief
The Prime Minister dialled it up to 11 but the resting face of Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg presaged the modest scale of the government's energy package.
Statue vandalism: more than a black and white issue
Sometimes I wonder whether outrage gets lost on the way.
Coalition wrong to resist judicial probe into banks
Although royal commissions are costly and lengthy, the weight of evidence against the banks has become compelling.
When 'bipartisan' means bereft of ideas
Labor's become the "do nothing" party, coasting to victory, unwilling to let any policy idea get in the way of a vote
Our craven nation: the case for agility on statues
Australia is a nation scared. Scared to fully stake out its own flag. Scared to install an Australian as head of state. Nervous even about bringing into the daylight a more complete account of its own creation.
Any deport in a storm: Turnbull's search for a distraction
If only we could afford to live the way we do, lamented Europe's entitled nobility as the continental order crumbled in the 1930s.
Government losing its resistance to rent-seeking businesses
I'm starting to suspect the federal government – of whatever colour – has lost its ability to control its own spending.
Fowl play in the Parliament
Pauline Hanson's stunt would have been out of order had Senate rules of years gone by been applied.
What could they have to hide? The only solution is an immediate citizenship inquiry
Until all federal politicians are independently examined, it is reasonable to expect that more ineligible MPs will emerge.
Former PM held office despite big questions on his citizenship
Barnaby Joyce is not the highest-ranking politician to have his citizenship credentials questioned.
Anti-terror strategy must keep up with twisted IS tactics
Justice Minister Michael Keenan says the new strategy for protecting crowded places against terrorism will leave the worrying to the experts so the rest of us can enjoy our lives when we venture out.
Postal plebiscite a debacle likely to happen for Turnbull
There is a strong possibility of a major debacle over the result of the marriage-equality plebiscite in November.
Council's decision to ban Australia Day not a surprise
There should be no denying the white invasion of Australia or the wars and massacres that took place.
Idiot wind blows from the global leadership vacuum
Welcome to the end of the age of reason, sniped the US president as his corrupt ways finally dragged him low.
Turnbull must reassure Australians as faith in the Parliament crumbles
But Malcolm Turnbull must now rise above his disappointment, park the frustration, and project control, stability, and yes, leadership.
Crossing The Line book extract
Crossing The Line. Australia’s Secret History in the Timor Sea.
What the hell is going on with the Nationals?
Is anyone checking the forms in National Party HQ? Does anyone do the due diligence? These are not unfair questions.
Hanson in a burqa just the latest in a series of stunts in Parliament
The Senate's history of taking itself more seriously than the House of Reps seemed to keep stunts at bay, at least until August 17, 2017.
Behind Pauline Hanson's burqa stunt is an ugly reality
The Australian media and political landscape is now awash with goons seeking to exploit the sort of far-right tone the Donald Trump presidency has helped legitimise across the West.
There are no rational arguments to oppose marriage equality
Despite not agreeing with the decision to conduct the postal survey I will be voting "yes", writes Katy Gallagher.
Reality cast adrift within the parliamentary fortress
As roasting summer nights gave way to soft autumn evenings, our little family packed a picnic each year and climbed the lawn above parliament house, the view across Lake Burley Griffin and the city growing wider with every step.
Brandis cheered by Greens and Labor senators? It really happened
Who could have imagined Attorney-General George Brandis would finding himself cheered to the rafters by Greens and Labor senators?
Don't celebrate Australia in shame or ignorance
While there is far from universal opposition by Indigenous people to Australia Day, this is not really about changing the date.
Government counter-attack over Joyce a clumsy smokescreen
Let's get something straight, right from the get-go. The government's defence of Barnaby Joyce about being a dinky-di Aussie is a smokescreen, utter bunkum.
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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.