Spreading the benefits of the boom. Where had I heard that before?
The current Treasurer echoes a predecessor from the opposition benches in his budget promises.
As Turnbull gasps for oxygen, income tax cuts remain his best bet
The decision to abandon the increase in the Medicare levy is just the start of a greater focus on keeping the tax burden low on families.
It's the chaos, not the snub, that Australia should be worried about
It's tempting to take the abrupt withdrawal of Harry Harris as ambassador personally. But decision reveals a bigger problem.
Child-led learning has dragged Australia down
The reasons why Australian students underperform has little, if anything, to do with funding. Compared to stronger performing education systems, Australian classrooms have been forced to adopt a dumbed down, overcrowded curriculum that lacks academic rigour.
Inaction over live sheep exports reveals our politicians are losing their moral compass
Our national attitude to this issue says much about our nation’s moral compass, and will have an effect directly, and significantly, on our international standing.
Why I won't be marching on Anzac Day this year
Although I respect soldiers who choose to march, I feel no need legitimise the politically-inspired industry built around such 'commemorations'.
Having made one long mistake on the banks already, Malcolm Turnbull faces four dangers ahead
The one thing worse than making a political mistake is prolonging it.
Think we're tough on refugees? That's fake news
To pretend that a strong border control policy to rebuff people smugglers means Australia is tough on refugees is scandalously misleading.
Australians are more generous than their government
The Minister for International Development Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has blamed Australians for cuts to the aid funding, justifying them with the statement that "you have to take the public with you". The reality is the public are well ahead of her - not behind.
I could write a book about why Monash deserves a promotion...
I know the idea of a posthumous promotion is a bit odd. But it is a lot less odd than having conferred the rank on Prince Philip.
The right to free speech doesn't make really bad ideas any better
The defence of the right to debate bigoted junk-science that damages vulnerable young people represents the natural end-point of Enlightenment thought.
Coalition builds new tower for Abbott to smash to pieces
After Australia's decade of disastrous policy, federal Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg was given the task of building a new policy out of nothing more than a box of matches, an incendiary and an unstable Coalition.
Does royal commission turncoat Scott Morrison really think the public is so dim?
A clearly panicked Scott Morrison has endless reasons for embarrassment.
Economic gains of higher immigration don't add up
If higher GDP is the best argument for continuing Australia's increased immigration intake, it is a very poor one.
Cricket fixture in memory of slain friend puts fringe dwellers back in their box
To those who will raise their putrid voices calling for an end to migration from Muslim countries, the decency of those men is the most emphatic rebuttal.
Australia's young people are under attack
From being told to just 'get a good job' or 'cut back on the smashed avo', young people and the issues they face are being trivialised.
Syrian tragedy reveals embarrassing triviality of Australian politics
While the world reeled from horrors in Syria, Australian political debate focused on Scott Morrison as Santa Claus and Peta Credlin's claims she could silence a cabinet minister.
We need to stop spending billions on things we don't really need
Someone’s got to say it. We’re spending too much on infrastructure: on roads, railways, and bridges, and the NBN.
Bill Shorten: Giving John Monash the ultimate honour is long overdue
Yes, elevating Monash would be an exception to the rule. But we are talking about an exceptional Australian.
Greg Hunt must condemn gay conversion therapy, not protect it
I was just 16 when I began conversations with a Sydney church leader that would change the course of my life for the following decade. They would lead me to celibacy, shame and, ultimately, to wanting to die.
Australian society on display at Commonwealth Games
The Games were a largely successful mix of public and private, federal and state, collective and individual effort.
Are there hidden costs to high immigration?
Immigration has lifted our GDP but if state governments don't get planning policy right, the federal government should think about curtailing immigration
Sir John Monash was familiar with the brush-off 100 years ago
Sir John Monash was so revered by Australians that 300,000 people turned out for his funeral. But he also had enemies.
You asked about the Arboretum trees ...
It's time to defend both the design and tree choice at the National Arboretum, without pretending that either were perfect.
Payne proves she has a real feel for nurturing the military
None of the new military appointees represent radical choices; on the other hand, none are steady as she goes types either.
Lessons from the Liberals' 'Last Supper'
Turnbull and his ministers believe the government’s hold on power risks being trashed by a noisy insurgent campaign led by former prime minister Tony Abbott.
Pokies in the casino opens windfall gains for clubs
Labor Party with CFMEU has plenty to gain and should stay out of the scheme.
Brand damaged Greens face urgent repair job
The Greens much-vaunted 'brand' has been tarnished. The repair job is urgent.
Boobooks’ suburban karaoke and the joys of 42nd Street
Two Boobook owls having an animated conversation woke Ian Warden recently, sparking some late-night pondering.
Centre holds in immigration debate
Australia's immigration debate is running hot, even hotter than usual. Amid the sound and fury, some pretty important questions have been neglected or answers remain unclear.
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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.